A new report on men’s health in North Carolina reveals significant racial disparities, with Black and Native American men facing higher risks for several diseases. The inaugural “North Carolina Men’s Health Report Card,” released by the UNC Men’s Health Program and Carolina Demography, provides a comprehensive overview of health issues affecting men statewide.
The report highlights that Black men are 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.3 times more likely to die from it compared to white men. Native American men face similar disparities.
“This report gives us a sense of the scope of health issues affecting men, which can also impact their families, jobs, and loved ones,” said Dr. Eric Wallen, Director of the UNC Men’s Health Program.
The report covers various aspects of men’s health, including demographics, social determinants of health, preventative care, chronic diseases, and mental health. It aims to raise awareness and address health disparities among men in North Carolina.
In addition to the report, the UNC Men’s Health Program has launched an interactive tool mapping prostate cancer cases and deaths across the state. The tool reveals geographical variances, with Anson, Edgecombe, and Halifax counties reporting the highest number of new cases.
The program also hosted community screening events focused on Black men’s health. Over 200 people attended a recent event in New Bern, which offered free health screenings and educational resources.
The report and associated initiatives serve as a call to action for organizations and the public to advocate for improved access to screenings, monitoring, and treatments for men’s health issues in North Carolina.
See “Inaugural “North Carolina Men’s Health Report Card” provides snapshot of most pressing issues affecting men statewide” (June 28, 2024)
