| There is clear evidence that the African American | | | | in Africa do have a high rate of prostate cancer, |
| male is nearly twice as likely to develop prostate | | | | they do not appear to have as high a rate of |
| cancer compared to the white male. Indeed the | | | | prostate cancer compared to that of black men in |
| highest rate of prostate cancer in the United States | | | | the United States. It is also thought that lower levels |
| is found in African American men. | | | | of vitamin D and a difference in genetics may also |
| Additionally, African American men are also most | | | | contribute to higher rates of prostate cancer in |
| likely to suffer from drug side effects from prostate | | | | African American men. |
| cancer treatment than seen in white men such as | | | | It is recommended that African American men aged |
| incontinence. It has also been documented that | | | | over 40 years should undergo prostate cancer |
| African American men with prostate cancer are most | | | | screening test on an annual basis. This screening |
| likely to be dissatisfied with their doctor's support | | | | should include a Prostate specific Antigen Blood test, |
| compared to white men. | | | | commonly known as PSA. A Digital Rectal |
| There are a number of reasons why the African | | | | Examination or DRE should also be performed. This |
| American male community have a higher prevalence | | | | involves a gloved finger being inserted into the |
| of prostate cancer disease. Researchers have | | | | rectum to feel for any unusual growths on or around |
| suggested some of the following reasons for this: | | | | the prostate gland. |
| * African American men's negative attitudes and | | | | Those men who have prostate cancer in their family |
| distrust of the prostate cancer screening tests | | | | are at a greater risk of developing prostate cancer. It |
| together with health care may contribute to the fact | | | | is advisable that African American men ascertain how |
| that when prostate cancer is diagnosed, it will be in | | | | many family members have suffered with prostate |
| the more advanced and inoperable stage in the | | | | cancer before passing this information onto your |
| African American men. | | | | doctor. Prostate cancer that is caught early provides |
| * They have limited or less access to health care and | | | | men with greater chances of survival and living a |
| this is also believed to be a contributory factor. A | | | | normal life. |
| large number do not have health insurance and this | | | | It is essential that African American men receive |
| means that African American men do not always | | | | regular prostate health check-ups as these can save |
| receive the preventative health care assessments | | | | lives. Men should eat a healthy diet which includes |
| that they require. | | | | ample fruit and vegetables. Exercise is also essential, |
| * Nutritional and environmental factors are also | | | | although one should seek professional advice before |
| thought to play an important role. Although black men | | | | embarking on an exercise regime. |