Studies repeatedly show that Black men need to be more concerned about prostate cancer than other ethnicities. Apart from being almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with the condition, Black American men are often in the advanced stages before getting a diagnosis. Even worse, they’re more prone to complications and are twice as likely to die. You don’t have to become another number in those statistics, though. You can take charge of your prostate health and get the care you need.
What Doctors Need You to Know
The most effective way to catch prostate cancer early is to get screened annually. However, doctors agree that there are a few roadblocks that you may face and need to overcome as a Black man. The first issue is that many Black men don’t know enough about prostate cancer to understand that they have a high risk of developing the condition or the importance of getting screened. Additionally, since prostate cancer often has no early symptoms, many Black Americans put it on the back burner to deal with more pressing health problems.
Another issue that Black men may deal with is the social stigma of being checked for prostate cancer. This usually has to do with the digital examination that doctors use to assess the prostate for anomalies. While it’s best to get over this stigma, it’s important to note that a prostate cancer screening also entails a blood test that checks for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. Your PSA level can be a good indicator of something being wrong with your prostate and signals that you need further assessment. You should know, though, that almost 20 percent of people with prostate cancer have normal PSA levels so the test isn’t an ideal replacement.
Finally, many Black Americans have lost faith in the medical community, and with good reason. Black men often aren’t referred for prostate screening or given further testing when their results are borderline. Despite their higher risk, even Black men who seek a diagnosis might not get one until they’re in the advanced stages where treatment is more aggressive and might not be as effective. Still, it’s up to you to take your prostate health into your own hands by finding the right doctor and being relentless in pursuit of care.
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Tips for Finding a Black Doctor
Research shows that working with a Black doctor increases your chances of getting a favorable outcome. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll always find one where you live. The best place to start is checking out online resources that are meant for Black men. You can also ask trusted friends or family members for recommendations. Depending on where you live, health centers, community centers, churches, or charitable organizations may arrange prostate cancer screenings. These can be good places to find a doctor you can work with.
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A Helpful Checklist
Once you’ve found a doctor, it’s a good idea to go in prepared. It’s easy to dismiss your concerns when you don’t have a plan. Before your visit, do some research about prostate cancer risk for Black men, what early symptoms may be, and what a screening entails. You should also put together any relevant information about your family history if anyone has had prostate cancer or any form of cancer.
It also helps if you have a list of pre-prepared questions for your doctor. The initial list can be short as they’re meant to encourage dialogue. Some of the information you may want to ask include your specific risk of prostate cancer based on your age and family history, how to get a prostate cancer screening, how often you should be screened, any risks associated with the screening process, what to expect if the results suggest you have prostate cancer, and if your insurance covers the screening.
If you’re worried about being able to advocate for yourself, it’s a good idea to bring a friend or family member who can encourage you to speak up. They may also be able to take notes if you’re nervous about missing anything.
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Every Black man should be concerned about their prostate health and it’s up to you to ensure that you get the preventive care you need. Start by doing some research to find the right doctor and then educate yourself about what you need to ask about prostate cancer. You don’t need to become another statistic.
