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African American males are less likely to be screened for prostate cancer than Caucasian males.  However, recent data indicate the gap is lessening. To date, there are several reasons why Black men are less likely to undergo screenings for prostate cancer, like:

  • Deficiencies in health literacy or knowledge regarding the need to or indications for undergoing prostate cancer screening
  • Poor communication between physicians and minority patients due to a lack of cultural competency
  • Lack of health insurance
  • Poor access to quality care as a result
  • Fear and distrust of undergoing prostate cancer screening
  • Oftentimes feelings that many Black men have regarding hopelessness and helplessness

All of these collectively contribute to the fact that Black men are often less often referred to undergo screenings and/or less likely to choose to be screened. Though awareness is increasing, many African Americans are unaware of early detection methods for prostate cancer, like PSA testing.

What Is PSA Testing?

Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in a man’s blood. The higher a man’s PSA level, the more likely it is that he has prostate cancer. For this test, a blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Serum PSA testing combined with digital rectal examination testing remains the methods of choice for prostate cancer screening.

Black Men & PSA

Why Every Black Man Needs A Urologist  was originally published on blackdoctor.org

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