This National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Alameda Health System (AHS) emphasizes the importance of education and early detection, especially for Black men who are disproportionately affected by the disease.
According to Timothy Ito, MD, urology at AHS, African American men are at an increased risk for developing prostate cancer over white men and other men of color. He said, “One in six African American men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared to one in eight overall.”
In addition, research from the American Cancer Society (ACS) shows Black men are more than twice as likely to die from the disease than their white counterparts.
“The racial disparities in prostate cancer are complex and continue to be studied but what we do know is that in addition to ethnicity, a patient’s family history and age put them at higher risk,” said Kevin Knopf, MD, hematology/oncology at AHS.
Dr. Knopf said other possible contributing factors include living environment, poor diet, smoking and lack of exercise. He said mistrust and avoidance of the health care system, perceived stigma around the disease and hesitancy to seek information may also be contributing.
While the chance of getting prostate cancer increases with age Knopf shared that a male patient of any age who has difficulty with urination should see their Primary Care Physician (PCP) right away. This is a symptom that should be explored immediately to rule out the potential for prostate cancer.
“While there are typically no symptoms of prostate cancer, screenings continue to be an option in the fight against prostate cancer,” said Dr. Knopf. “Beginning at age 40 patients should speak with their PCP about the benefits and limitations of prostate screening.”
Dr. Knopf said choosing whether or not to get a prostate screening should remain a discussion between a patient and their physician to enable the patient to make an informed decision. “As a patient-centered health care system, the patient is at the center of everything we do, and their voice is critical in determining what is best for them.”
He said treatment for patients diagnosed with prostate cancer can range from active surveillance (monitoring the disease with no immediate intervention) to radiation and surgery. “Active surveillance is an option for men who have a low risk of their cancer spreading,” said Dr. Knopf. “Men on active surveillance typically have blood tests every 6-12 months to monitor their PSA levels and prostate exams every 12 months.”
In addition, Knopf shared that there have been a lot of improvements in surgical techniques, radiation, and hormone therapy, as well as chemotherapy over the last 10 years. “At AHS we have an outstanding integrated team of urologists, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists working together to treat prostate cancer and to deliver the best outcomes for our patients.”
For more tools and resources to identify signs and symptoms of prostate cancer and to maintain prostate health, visit: