In a significant move to tackle racial health disparities, new guidelines recommend that Black men begin prostate cancer screenings at age 40. The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s guidelines, unveiled at the 2024 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, address the stark reality that Black men are up to 110% more likely to develop prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from the disease compared to white men.
Isla Garraway, MD, PhD, of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, presented the guidelines, emphasizing the importance of early detection in reducing prostate cancer morbidity and mortality among Black men. The guidelines were developed after a comprehensive review of 287 studies and are designed to aid Black men in making informed decisions about prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing with their healthcare providers.
The panel of interdisciplinary experts concluded that the benefits of screening generally outweigh the risks for Black men, who are at a higher risk for prostate cancer. The new recommendations mark a proactive step in addressing the health inequities that have long affected the Black community and highlight the need for early and personalized healthcare interventions.
The guidelines are expected to influence clinical practices and public health policies, potentially improving outcomes for Black men who are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer. The initiative also underscores the critical role of tailored healthcare recommendations in addressing the specific needs of at-risk populations.
See “Prostate cancer screenings encouraged for Black men as early as 40” by Denise Heady on the UCLA Health website (February 5, 2024)
