Exploring the causes of discrepancies in prostate cancer incidence and mortality in White and Black men

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is an over-proliferation of cells of the prostate gland. It is the most common male reproductive malignancy, with an incidence rate of 119.8 per 100,000 males in the United States. Studies have shown that the incidence and mortality rate of PCa varies depending on race. More specifically, it has been suggested by several studies that African men (AM) are more likely to die and develop PCa than any other race, followed by Caucasian Men (CM). Objectives: To explore the underlying causes of discrepancies in PCa incidence and mortality in men. Specifically, its increased levels in AM compared to CM in North America. Methodology: A structured literature review was conducted using the PubMed database. Limits were applied to include only English peer reviewed articles from the last ten years to ensure the highest accuracy and relevancy of information. The following search terms were used to narrow the search: Prostate Cancer, Black, and White. Results: Although there are various potential explanations, the overall trends in PCa racial disparities between CM and AM can be grouped into two categories: individual factors and socioeconomic disparities. Firstly, these interracial disparities can be attributed to individual’s genetic susceptibility and environmental exposure to chemicals. Additionally, minority groups such as AM will often have lower education levels and socioeconomic status, which will lead to problems such as low income, inadequate insurance, cultural and language barriers, and racial bias. These disadvantages will cause AM to face barriers when receiving health care services, which includes prevention, detection, and treatment. Finally, research indicates that PCa is often not caused by a specific factor, but rather by a combination of factors. Conclusion: Efforts to minimize racial disparities should not only have a biomedical paradigm in mind, but also a socioeconomic one. Objectives: To explore the underlying causes of discrepancies in PCa incidence and mortality in men. Specifically, its increased levels in AM compared to CM in North America. Methodology: A structured literature review was conducted using the PubMed database. Limits were applied to include only English peer reviewed articles from 2012 to 2017 to ensure the highest accuracy and relevancy of information. The following search terms were used to narrow the search: Prostate Cancer, Black, and White. Conclusion: Efforts to minimize racial disparities should not only have a biomedical paradigm in mind, but also a socioeconomic one.