African-American
Prostate Cancer Crisis

"Disgraceful Tragedy"
African-American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world and the lowest rate of survival. The head of the American Cancer Society (ACS), Charles J. McDonald, MD, says: "Black men in America are 1.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer and are 2 to 3 times more likely to die of the disease than white men."
     "Prostate cancer, particularly among African Americans, is a disgraceful tragedy that needs immediate and drastic action," says John R. Kelly, a board director of the American Cancer Society. The ACS has issued a National Blueprint for Action on prostate cancer, promising to spend $8 to $10 million annually.
American Cancer Society Plan
The ACS plan calls for more research on every aspect of prostate cancer especially in African-American men. They plan to study causes and risk factors and stimulate prevention and new treatments.
     The ACS say they want to "involve African Americans in research design, in the implementation of clinical research, in the development of education initiatives, and as patient participants in clinical research trials."
     The ACS urges more education about prostate cancer and stronger "grassroots organizations, particularly in the African-American community, to engage in advocacy and in education and patient support initiatives." They call for more community support for African American prostate cancer patients and their families
 Spending Will Benefit All Patients
Because African American men are over-affected by prostate cancer, the call for action is primarily addressed to them. The spending is expected to improve treatment for all men who have prostate cancer.
     Detection is the first step, the ACS says. All men aged 40 and up need their physicians to check for prostate cancer with a digital rectal examination (DRE) every year. African American men and all men with a family history of prostate cancer should also get an annual PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test. Other men can wait till age 50 for the annual PSA test.

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