Prostate Cancer in Black Men: Understanding the Risks and Taking Action
Doctor explains the heightened risk of prostate cancer in Black men, covering essential risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early screening. Learn how to navigate discussions with your healthcare provider to ensure timely and effective care.
Disclaimer
The medical information in this content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While Doctor O'Donovan Medical Education Limited always aims to provide accurate information, it does not replace professional medical advice from your own doctor or health provider. Always consult your own healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Doctor O'Donovan Medical Education Limited can not provide individual advice. Never ignore professional medical advice from your own health provider because of something you have read or watched here. Educational resources created by Doctor O'Donovan Medical Education Limited are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Topic Breakdown
Did you know that one in four Black men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared to one in eight for other men? The exact cause for this disparity is not fully known, but it might be linked to genetic factors. In this important discussion, I will explain some risk factors for developing prostate cancer, what to do if you're a Black male over the age of 45, and what might happen when you go to see your doctor. This information could potentially save your life, a family member's, or a loved one's life, so please share it widely and leave any comments below to help others.
Before we dive into the specifics, let's briefly take a look at what the prostate is and what potential symptoms of prostate cancer are. The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis and part of the male reproductive system. It's about the size of a walnut and is located between the penis and the bladder, surrounding a tube called the urethra. The main purpose of the prostate is to produce a thick white fluid that creates semen when mixed with the sperm produced by the testicles.
In terms of symptoms of potential prostate cancer, you might notice difficulty starting to pee, a weak or interrupted flow of urine, or urinating more often, especially at night. You could be getting up at nighttime to go to the toilet or having trouble emptying your bladder fully. You may also notice pain or burning during urination, blood in your urine or semen, as well as pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn't seem to go away. It's important to keep in mind that these symptoms may be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer, and sometimes prostate cancer doesn't have any symptoms, especially if it's at an early stage.
Now that we know a little more about what the prostate is and what some potential symptoms are, let's discuss risk factors. We already know that Black men are more at risk of getting prostate cancer. Other factors that might increase the risk include being aged 45 or over, having a father or brother who has had prostate cancer, or a mother or sister who has had breast cancer. Just because these factors might apply to you does not necessarily mean that you have or will develop prostate cancer, but it's always good to be aware of the things that could make you at higher risk so you can have an informed discussion with your health provider.
So, what should you do if you are a Black male over the age of 45? If you're Black, have a prostate, and are over 45, you should speak to your doctor about your risk of prostate cancer. I'd also strongly recommend that you discuss having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which is a blood test that can help diagnose prostate cancer. There are advantages and disadvantages to having a PSA test, and it's important that you're aware of these.
Some advantages of the PSA test include its ability to help pick up prostate cancer before you have any symptoms and potentially detect fast-growing cancer at an early stage when treatment could stop it from spreading. The PSA test can also be done at intervals to check for any changes. However, there are also disadvantages. Your PSA level might be raised even if you don't have prostate cancer, and many men with a raised PSA level do not have prostate cancer. PSA can also be raised after vigorous exercise, sexual intercourse, or in a non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The PSA test can sometimes miss prostate cancer, meaning that it's not 100% accurate. For these reasons, you'll need to talk to your doctor or practice nurse about the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to have the PSA test. Remember to tell them if anyone in your family has ever had prostate or breast cancer.
Some people might ask, "Why would I go to my doctor if I don't have any symptoms?" Well, most men with early prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate don't actually have any symptoms. Symptoms often only develop once the cancer has become bigger. If you do have prostate cancer and it's caught at an early stage before it's causing symptoms, there's a good chance that treatment could stop the cancer from spreading. While it may not be possible to cure your cancer, treatment may help control the cancer and manage symptoms.
So, what's going to happen when you go to your doctor? Typically, your doctor will ask you questions and examine your prostate through your bottom using a gloved finger covered in jelly to check its size, shape, and consistency. They will also discuss checking your blood, including the PSA test. It's natural to feel worried or embarrassed about going to the doctor or having tests, but don't let that stop you. Your doctor is a trained professional who will have seen this many times before and can give you a good idea as to whether or not you have a problem that needs treatment.
If you're unsure about what to say to your doctor, I have included a link from Prostate Cancer UK for a form that you can print out and fill in to show them. This will help you have an informed conversation and cover all the key points you need to discuss.
Finally, what should you do if your doctor won't give you a PSA blood test? In the UK, if you're a Black man over 50, you have the right to a PSA test if you've thought carefully about the advantages and disadvantages. If your doctor doesn't agree to give you a PSA test and you're a Black male over the age of 50, ask to see another doctor or practice nurse. If you're a Black man between 45 and 49 years of age, you're not entitled to a PSA test until you're 50, but many health professionals believe that you should be able to have tests from the age of 45 if you've considered the advantages and disadvantages.
I've included some great resources from Prostate Cancer UK in the description, which can help guide you through discussions with your health provider to make this process easier. There's also an electronic leaflet from Prostate Cancer UK that explains more about prostate cancer and other prostate problems, including who's at risk and what changes to look out for.
I hope you found this information useful and informative. Please share it widely with someone who you think could benefit from it. If you're looking to scale your medical brand on YouTube or sponsor our videos with your products, feel free to book a consultation. Together, we can make a real difference.
Thank you for reading, and until next time.
Share this article
Partner with Dr. O Donovan
If you would like to partner on a healthcare related campaign, discuss a story or seek my expert opinion please don't hesitate to reach out.