A new study published in The Journal of Urology reveals that racial representation significantly impacts trust in online prostate cancer information among Black men. Researchers found that websites lacking Black representation were less likely to be trusted by Black patients seeking information about prostate cancer.
Dr. Stacy Loeb of New York University Langone Health, the study’s lead author, emphasized, “Our study shows that representation matters to Black patients seeking prostate cancer information online.” The lack of Black representation in prostate cancer content gave some participants the false impression that Black men are at lower risk for the disease, despite national statistics showing higher rates among Black men compared to White or Hispanic men.
Through focus groups, researchers discovered that Black patients often distrusted websites depicting only White patients or healthcare professionals. One participant noted, “As soon as I didn’t see an African American doctor represented in any of the studies, it would kind of turn me off.”
The study also found that patients preferred reputable sources, such as leading healthcare institutions and national organizations, with a professional appearance. Participants were wary of sites with apparent financial conflicts or those selling alternative therapies.
Dr. Loeb and her colleagues concluded that underrepresentation of Black adults in prostate cancer content could potentially worsen health disparities. They recommended that optimal online communications should include racially diverse representation and evidence-based information from reputable sources without financial conflicts.
This research highlights the importance of addressing racial disparities in healthcare information and the potential consequences of underrepresentation in medical content.
See “Representation matters to Black patients seeking prostate cancer information online, study shows” (February 9, 2024)
