Why Black Men Are 70% More Likely to Get Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men globally. However, when it comes to racial disparities, Black men are disproportionately affected in terms of both diagnosis and mortality. Research shows that Black men are 70 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer compared to other racial groups and are twice as likely to die from it. Understanding the reasons behind this disparity involves looking at both socioeconomic factors and genetic predispositions. Here’s what you need to know. Why Prostate Cancer Disproportionately Affects Black Men Socioeconomic Factors One of the primary reasons why Black men are more susceptible to prostate cancer is linked to healthcare disparities. Black men often have less access to early screening and timely treatment. “There are socioeconomic factors. For instance, a recent article showed that Black men typically don’t have access to or are not getting screened early enough. And if they do get screened, they may not receive treatment in time,” Dr. John Oertle, Chief Medical Officer at Envita Medical Centers, says. Access to medical care, including regular screenings like PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests, plays a crucial role in detecting prostate cancer early. Early detection is vital because prostate cancer, when caught in...