Cancer does not discriminate, except when it does. Prostate cancer takes a harsher toll on Black men than other American men, with Black men almost 70% more likely than white men to develop the disease in their lifetime and twice as likely to die from it, according to a 2025 report from the American Cancer Society.
The reasons behind this stark disparity remain complex and not fully understood. Urologic surgeon Vincent Laudone explains that the higher risk may be related to social and environmental issues involving nutrition, access to health care, and exposure to environmental pollutants. Disparities in outcomes also can be affected by differences in when the cancer is diagnosed and how men are treated after diagnosis.
Medical oncologist Andrew Laccetti notes there is evidence suggesting inherited genetic factors play a role, with possible differences in tumor biology that cause cancer in Black men to progress faster or be harder to treat. Recognizing this increased risk, the Prostate Cancer Foundation issued new guidelines in April 2024 recommending that Black men consider PSA screening starting between ages 40 and 45.
MSK epidemiologist Sigrid Carlsson, who co-authored the study, says the recommendation reflects the medical community’s awareness that Black men should be especially vigilant and consider starting screening at a younger age. Despite their elevated risk, Black men remain underrepresented in clinical trials testing new therapies, making up only 6.7% of patients.
See: “Why Black Men Should Consider Earlier Screening for Prostate Cancer” (January 17, 2025)
