Finding out you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer can cause unwarranted stress and anxiety especially if you are unfamiliar with the diagnosis, what caused it or your next steps for treatment. The journey towards understanding and managing this condition often begins with a flood of questions and concerns.
The American Cancer Society reported that in 2024, they estimate there will be approximately 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer and around 35,250 new deaths attributed to the disease. They highlighted a notable decline in yearly prostate cancer diagnoses between 2007 and 2014, largely due to reduced screening following changes in screening guidelines. However, since 2014, there has been an overall 3 percent annual rise in incidence rates, notably reaching about 5 percent per year for advanced-stage prostate cancer cases.
Here’s a breakdown of key statistics, what causes prostate cancer and understanding the process of clinical trials.
1 in Six Black Men Will Develop Prostate Cancer in His Lifetime
According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 average men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. But each man’s risk of prostate cancer can vary, based on his age, race/ethnicity, and other factors. Prostate affects Black men more than other American men, including other men of color.
With statistics revealing that one in six Black men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime compared to one in eight men overall. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the U.S., especially for those over age 50.
What exactly is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control. The prostate is a gland found only in males. It makes some of the fluid that is part of semen.
The prostate is a small gland between the bladder and the base of the penis. This location means that diseases of the prostate (both cancer and non-cancer) can affect bladder and sexual functions. Nerves and blood vessels that control erectile function (getting hard) are near the prostate. They can be affected by prostate cancer or treatment for prostate cancer.
More than 9 out of 10 cases of prostate cancer are found when cancer is only in the prostate gland. When prostate cancer spreads, it can go outside the prostate capsule, a thick covering of the prostate. It can spread up into the seminal vesicles, two small tubelike glands on top of the prostate. Sometimes, prostate cancer can spread into lymph nodes in the pelvis, or into bones.
While statistics show the impact prostate cancer has on Black men, understanding the underlying factors driving this disparity is essential for effective change.
What are the causes of prostate cancer?
While it’s not clear what causes prostate cancer, medical professionals believe that prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate develop changes in their DNA. The Mayo Clinic shared a few risk factors which include:
- Age – the risk rises as you get older, and most cases are diagnosed in men over 50 years of age
- Ethnic group – prostate cancer is more common in black men than in Asian men
- Family history – having a brother or father who developed prostate cancer before age 60 seems to increase your risk of developing it; research also shows that having a close female relative who developed breast cancer may also increase your risk of developing prostate cancer
- Obesity – recent research suggests there may be a link between obesity and prostate cancer, and a balanced diet and regular exercise may lower your risk of developing prostate cancer
- Diet – research is ongoing into the links between diet and prostate cancer, and there is some evidence that a diet high in calcium is linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer
Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Can Make Better Drugs for Black Men
The World Health Organization describes clinical trials as a type of research focused on examining the efficacy and safety of new tests and treatments, and assessing their impact on human health outcomes. Volunteers participate in these trials to assess various medical interventions, encompassing drugs, biological products, surgical and radiological procedures, devices, behavioral therapies, and preventive measures.
Prostate cancer clinical trials are used to determine just how effective promising new therapies can be. They help in understanding the specific genetic and biological factors underlying the increased susceptibility and aggressiveness of the disease in this population. Secondly, such trials enable the development of tailored screening methods and treatment strategies that are more effective in managing prostate cancer among Black men.
Throughout the trial, participants may experience different outcomes, including changes in their cancer status, side effects from treatment, or improvements in their quality of life.
By actively participating in clinical trials, researchers can ensure that the findings are representative and applicable, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and reduced disparities in prostate cancer care.
Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis involves confronting a myriad of uncertainties and concerns. With the prevalence of prostate cancer steadily rising, particularly among Black men, understanding its causes and disparities is important. If you’re concerned about your risk of developing prostate cancer, talk with your doctor about treatment options.
To learn more about clinical trials for Black folks, discover our Clinical Trials Resource Center.
