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Prostate cancer among African American men: A review of empirical literature

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Conclusion

Almost every article reviewed in this paper affirms that African American men have the highest prostate cancer deaths in the U.S. Also, most agree that the etiology, prevention, and treatment of the cancer are yet to be clearly understood. It is somewhat disheartening that, despite the high mortality rate, it has taken decades for prostate cancer to begin to gain national attention. For African American men, the answers may range from lack of organization to lack of resources or direction by the federal government. There is sufficient reason to believe that the answers lie more with the fact that the lives of African American men are less valuable to society. Also, factors such as inadequate health care coverage due to higher rates of unemployment, cultural barriers, and unsatisfactory relationships with health care providers may be responsible for some of the disparities. Additionally, historical factors have led to a deep mistrust of health care providers and medical researchers among African Americans. To reduce prostate cancer deaths, more African American men would need to be recruited to clinical trials to develop appropriate screening methods and treatment procedures. Accomplishing this goal requires addressing those historical events that have created a gap between African American men and society. Combating prostate cancer requires policies that would fully reintroduce African American men into society.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. the University of Illinois at Chicago, USA

    Keren Patricia Dimah MPH (doctoral student)

  2. Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

    Keren Patricia Dimah MPH (doctoral student)

  3. Chicago State University, 60628, Chicago, IL

    Agber Dimah (professor of Political Science)

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  1. Keren Patricia Dimah MPH
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  2. Agber Dimah
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Dimah, K.P., Dimah, A. Prostate cancer among African American men: A review of empirical literature. Journal of African American Studies 7, 27–46 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12111-003-1001-x

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