Orlando, Fla. – One in six Black men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to ZERO Prostate Cancer. “The incidence of prostate cancer among Black males is almost double the average and the mortality rate from prostate cancer in the Black community is higher than in the rest of the general population,” said Dr. Justin Emtage, urologist at AdventHealth Winter Park.
Black men are twice as likely as white men to die from cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
The risk of prostate cancer varies based on factors such as age, race, and ethnicity. Black men may be more likely to develop prostate cancer due to genetics, low enrollment in clinical trials, and lack of access to care.
“Researchers have found that prostate cancer in Black men has a unique genetic profile. Mutations are different, and they present with a more advanced stage of the disease at diagnosis," said Emtage.
While some risk factors can’t be controlled, Emtage said that avoiding smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol use, a healthy diet and other lifestyle factors are beneficial for not only prostate, but many different types of cancer.
To reduce the risk of prostate cancer, doctors encourage their patients to educate themselves about the risks and undergo regular screenings. Early detection is critical as prostate cancer is always treatable and often curable. For detecting prostate cancer, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is used.
“We recommend getting screened at 40 years of age for patients who are at risk for prostate cancer,” said Emtage. “Those at high risk are people who have family history of prostate cancer, or who are experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer.”
Symptoms associated with prostate cancer include difficulty starting urination, weak or interrupted flow of urine, pain or burning during urination, urinating often – especially at night -- and blood in the urine.
This month, AdventHealth hosted a prostate cancer education event at the AdventHealth Training Center in partnership with Omega Beta Beta, the Eatonville chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. AdventHealth provided free prostate cancer screenings and educational information to attendees as well as information about clinical trials and the importance of participating in them.
As soon as Justin Kinsey, of Orlando, learned about the event hosted by AdventHealth, he decided to attend. “I came here to be proactive in taking care of my health,” said Kinsey. “My family depends on me, so I want to do everything I can to be there for them.”
Over 60 people attended the event.