Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern for Black men, and understanding the intricacies of detection, treatment, and participation in clinical trials is crucial. In an episode of Antidote’s “Talk of the Towne” podcast, Antidote’s Senior Clinical Informatics Manager, Dr. Richard Towne sat down for a conversation with Kris Bennett and Reggie Tucker-Seeley from ZERO Prostate Cancer, to discuss the challenges faced by Black men, the importance of representation in clinical trials, and actionable advice for patients.
How to Navigate Your Prostate Health
Prostate cancer is a significant concern for men, often operating silently without visible symptoms. To combat this, understanding your PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) numbers is crucial.
Dr. Tucker-Seeley, Vice President of Health Equity at ZERO Prostate Cancer, advises getting a baseline PSA test in your late 30s or early 40s and monitoring it during annual check-ups.
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For Black men, health disparities add another layer of complexity. Kris Bennett, Director of Health Equity and Community Organizing at ZERO Prostate Cancer, emphasizes the need to break stigmas around prostate health to encourage open discussions.
“Our community needs us here, so we must equip ourselves with knowledge to stay. Let’s normalize these conversations,” Bennett urges.
Here’s some advice for navigating your prostate health journey:
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Check Your Body
Understanding your body and its changes is crucial. If anything seems unusual, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider.
Here are some signs that may indicate your prostate health may need the attention of a doctor:
- Urinary Changes: Changes in urinary habits can be a sign of prostate issues. This includes increased frequency of urination, especially at night (nocturia), difficulty starting or stopping urine flow, weak urine stream, or a sense of incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Blood in Urine or Semen: The presence of blood in urine (hematuria) or semen can be indicative of prostate problems. It’s essential to seek medical attention if you notice this symptom.
- Pain or Discomfort: Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, lower back, hips, or thighs can be associated with prostate issues, especially if it persists or worsens over time.
- Erectile Dysfunction: While erectile dysfunction can have various causes, it can sometimes be linked to prostate problems, especially if it occurs alongside other symptoms.
- Burning or Painful Sensation: Pain or a burning sensation during urination or ejaculation can be a sign of prostate issues and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant and unexplained weight loss can sometimes be a symptom of more advanced prostate issues and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
- Fatigue or Weakness: Feeling unusually tired or weak, especially if it’s persistent, can be a sign that something is amiss with your health, including your prostate.
- Bone Pain: Prostate cancer that has spread to the bones can cause bone pain, especially in the hips, spine, or pelvis. This type of pain is often persistent and worsens over time.
RELATED: Prostate Cancer In Black Men: What We Need To Know
Start Conversations
Don’t shy away from discussing your prostate health. Open dialogues with healthcare providers, friends, and family can break down barriers.
Stay Close to Your Community
For those shaping healthcare policies and practices, staying the course is vital. Combat “equity fatigue” and embrace change, recommends Dr. Tucker-Seeley. Bennett highlights the importance of community input in decision-making processes.
How to Choose a Healthcare Provider
When seeking healthcare providers, consider the following:
- Cultural Competence: Look for a primary care physician who understands the cultural nuances and health disparities faced by Black men.
- Recommendations: Seek referrals from trusted sources who have had positive experiences with healthcare providers.
- Research: Utilize online resources and directories to find professionals experienced in addressing health concerns prevalent in the Black community.
- Specialists: When necessary, consult specialists who demonstrate cultural competence in their field.
Clinical Trials: Why You Matter
Clinical trials are a big deal – they help develop new treatments and push medical knowledge forward. But guess what? They need you! Dr. Tucker-Seeley is adamant that diversity is essential in clinical trials.
And it starts with the people designing and running these trials reflecting the community they serve. It’s about time your voice is heard in medical research.
Your journey through prostate health and clinical trials is unique. Understanding PSA, breaking stigmas, ensuring diversity in clinical trials, and actively participating in your healthcare – it’s all part of the plan.
With organizations like ZERO Prostate Cancer in your corner, advocating for equity, you’ve got the support you need. Keep those conversations flowing, ask questions, and remember – your prostate health matters!
