Black men in the United States are more likely to be diagnosed with and to die from prostate cancer vs. men of other backgrounds. They are diagnosed at a younger age and with more advanced disease.
Yet, Black men remained a footnote in national prostate cancer screening guidelines.
These stark, basic facts led PCF to convene a panel of renowned experts in the fields of urology, medical oncology, disparities research, primary care, and epidemiology. They were charged with surveying the complete body of research to develop evidence-based screening recommendations. The resulting guidelines are transparent, answering key questions:
• Should Black men consider PSA screening? Yes.
• At what age? Between ages 40 and 45.
• How often should Black men be screened? Depending on PSA value and health status, annual screening should be strongly considered.
PCF congratulates the entire panel on their diligence and hard work to address this vital unmet need in education for health care providers, Black men, and their families and advocates. While the recommendations are straightforward, we recognize that it takes countless hours and, collectively, decades of expertise in diverse fields to synthesize a great deal of complex data.
These guidelines represent a first step in closing the gaps in prostate health and prostate cancer care for Black men. Much work remains to be done in terms of further education, access to care, and addressing social determinants of health. PCF is honored to be a part of this process and is committed to overcoming disparities, from underlying genetic factors, to screening, to treatment.
Reference: Garraway, IG, Carlsson, SV, Nyame, YA, et al. Prostate Cancer Foundation Screening Guidelines for Black Men in the United States. NEJM Evid. 2024; 3(5). DOI: 10.1056/EVIDoa2300289