It’s an unnerving fact that Black males have the highest incidence and mortality rates from prostate cancer of any racial group in the United States — yet they’re still underrepresented in prostate cancer clinical trials.
Every year, the American Cancer Society gives estimates on new cancer cases and deaths. In 2025, they estimate that approximately 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed, and about 35,770 deaths will occur due to prostate cancer. They also reported there has been a decline in the number of prostate cancer diagnoses from 2007 to 2014, which they attribute to improved screening recommendations that now require men to be screened less frequently.
However, life-saving clinical trials are often left on the table for Black men, leaving them the most vulnerable to advanced cancer and potentially death—and the research is clear and somewhat damning.
What the Research Shows
Recent statistics show that Black men are more likely to die from prostate cancer than any other racial group in the United States. In response, the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) surveyed its members about their experiences with prostate cancer clinical trials. Led by Black physician Dr. Keith Crawford, the Director of Clinical Trials and Patient Education at PHEN, the survey explored the reasons for the lack of participation. The study included Black men living in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Out of 115 members who completed the study—representing a diverse mix of ages, locations, education levels, and socioeconomic status—50 percent of participants had a family history of prostate cancer, and 10 percent had previously participated in a prostate cancer clinical trial.
The most common reasons for non-participation were simply not being asked and a lack of information about the risks and benefits. No respondents cited a lack of trust in the healthcare system based on personal experiences, although 2 percent referenced the Tuskegee study.
“Prostate cancer patients can gain life-saving treatments from clinical trials,” said Dr. Crawford, in a news release about the study. “Possible reasons why health care providers do not ask Black males about participation in prostate cancer clinical trials include lack of awareness of suitable trials, incorrect assumptions that patients will be concerned about the Tuskegee study, or that comorbidities will preclude participation,” the authors wrote.
Why This Study Matters
Lack of participation and misunderstanding of clinical trials is a common issue within the Black community, where access to information and invitations to participate in clinical trials can be limited. The PHEN survey findings are important because they highlight the barriers Black men face in accessing clinical trials. These findings can help participants, medical professionals and the healthcare industry make necessary adjustments for those interested in learning about or participating in prostate cancer clinical trials. The lack of outreach and education often leads to uncertainty about participating in trials, emphasizing the need for improved engagement and transparency in the healthcare system to build trust and encourage broader participation in health initiatives. Participants who engaged in the survey shared that mistrust in the healthcare system wasn’t the primary reason for low participation, however, the absence of outreach and clear communication remains a key factor in the underrepresentation in research studies.
Actions Black Men Can Take
The discussion surrounding Black men and health care is an ongoing conversation. Whether it’s discussing the resources that are needed, access to clinical trials, or an overall understanding of health. For now, Black men can take steps to advocate for themselves by seeking information about clinical trials, asking their healthcare providers about participation opportunities, and engaging with organizations like PHEN to ensure they are represented in prostate cancer clinical trials.
