Early detection is key

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the United States.

While about 1 in 8 American men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime, the risk is significantly higher for African American men – about 1 in 6.

Not only are African American men more likely to develop prostate cancer, but they are also more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age, have more aggressive or advanced disease, and die from it. In fact, African American men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as men in other racial or ethnic groups.

Genetics certainly play a role; African American men tend to have higher baseline levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate. Elevated PSA levels can be an early sign of prostate cancer.

Historically, African American men have also had less access to routine healthcare and cancer screenings. As a result, prostate cancer is often diagnosed only after symptoms appear – typically at more advanced stages, when treatment is less effective.

There is good news: prostate cancer outcomes are improving. Today, the five-year survival rate for African American men diagnosed with prostate cancer at any stage is approximately 97%.

Early detection is key. When prostate cancer is found early, the survival rate regardless of ethnicity rises to 99%. In contrast, men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer have a five-year survival rate of just 32%.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men between ages 55 and 69 discuss prostate cancer screening with their healthcare providers to decide whether screening is right for them.

Because of their increased risk, African American men should begin these conversations with their healthcare providers sooner – ideally between the ages of 40 and 45.

There are two main screening tools used to detect prostate cancer: PSA blood tests, which measure prostate-specific antigen levels in the blood, and a digital rectal exam (DRE), in which a clinician checks the prostate for abnormalities.

Talk with your medical provider about a screening plan that reflects your personal risk factors. Screening only takes minutes, and early detection of prostate cancer can save your life.

Today, men diagnosed with prostate cancer have access to a wide range of effective treatments. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological treatments or participation in clinical trials.

Early-stage prostate cancer often requires less aggressive treatment. Some low-grade cancers grow slowly and can be managed with “active surveillance,” which involves regular monitoring with PSA tests and imaging, or “watchful waiting,” in which symptoms remain closely observed. Treatment begins only if the cancer shows signs of progression.

All men can take steps to support prostate health and reduce overall cancer risk, including:
• Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils and whole grains, with fewer animal products

Annual checkups with a primary care provider are also essential. Even if prostate cancer screening is not performed at every visit, these appointments provide an opportunity to review lifestyle habits and address other risk factors for cancer and chronic disease.

Maurizio Buscarini, M.D., Ph.D., MPH-MBA is a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist who sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists in Beaufort and Okatie.