Prostate Cancer in African-American Men

Know the Facts - This is Serious

  • About one in five African-American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
  • Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men than in men of other races.
  • African-American men are more than twice as likely to die of prostate cancer than white men.
  • African-American men over 40 have the highest rate of prostate cancer and should consider screenings at age 40.
  • African-American men with a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer are considered high risk and should consider screening at age 40.
  • African-American men present higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values than compared to white men.

What Can You Do?

Get screened! If detected early, prostate cancer may be curable.

  • PSA Test
    One of the easiest things you can do, is to get a PSA test. This is a simple blood test that lets your doctor or health care provider keep track of your PSA levels. By being aware of the levels over time, your doctor will be able provide successful treatment options before the disease becomes life threatening.
  • Digital Rectal Exam
    This somewhat awkward, but important test, can help a doctor verify whether or not prostate cancer is present. This method allows a doctor to check the lower rectum, pelvis and lower belly for cancer and other health problems. During this test, the doctor will check the size of the prostate and feel for bumps, soft or hard spots, or other things that might not be normal. The doctor will also examine the wall of the lower colon/rectum. If your prostate is enlarged, you may feel some discomfort or mild pain during the exam; but pain is unusual. You may also feel the need to urinate. This test takes less than a minute, so it is over before you know it.

Learn more about prostate cancer

You are In Control

Talk to someone.

  • If you are worried about these types of tests, ask your doctor about it.
  • If you don’t have a doctor that you can talk to, talk to a man who has had the test.
  • Talk to older men at church or in your community.
  • You need to ask questions so that you address the issues that are keeping you from getting screened for prostate cancer.
  • Request a consultation. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or are looking for a second opinion about your treatment, contact us at (877) 460-4673.

Take Action

If you are ready to get screened, make an appointment with your doctor/health care provider to discuss your risks for prostate cancer and to get screened.

Prostate cancer screening is available at the following City of Hope community practice locations:

Antelope Valley

Arcadia

Glendora

Mission Hills

Pasadena

Santa Clarita Santa Clarita


If you do not have a place to go for health care, contact one of these local clinics to schedule a free or low cost prostate screening test:

Learn More

Just as important as getting the screening for prostate cancer is to learn more about it. Share the links with your friends and family so they can learn more about prostate cancer and the ways to reduce their risks for getting it.

  • Medline Plus - The National Library for Medicine has a great website called, Medline Plus. Take a moment to review this resource to learn more about prostate cancer and any other health issues. It is a one-stop shop for most health related questions.
  • Prostate Cancer Prevention - General information about prostate cancer from the National Cancer Institute.
  • City of Hope's Prostate Cancer Program - Our renowned prostate cancer team has pioneered state-of-the-art regimens that may eradicate cancer. Each innovative treatment we create gives people the chance to live longer and fuller lives.
  • Down Home Healthy Cooking: Recipes and tips for healthy cooking - Provides recipes that are low-fat, high-fiber versions of traditional African-American recipes. Produced by the National Cancer Institute.