Medical Pike NewsPSA Rising
Medical Pike Briefs : Headline Index : Clinical Study

African-American Men
Sought for
Prostate Cancer Study

July 23 1998. Scientists at Seattle's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center say they are gaining knowledge of the genes that cause inherited prostate cancer. But of the 250 families nationwide who have participated in this center's genetic family study, only three have been African-American.
      "We need at least 100 African-American families with a history of prostate cancer to take part in the study for the results to be scientifically meaningful,'' says Janet Stanford, Ph.D., a Hutchinson Center epidemiologist who is leading the family identification segment of the Prostate Cancer Genetic Research Study, also called PROGRESS. Funded by CaP CURE, a research foundation established by financier Michael Milken, data collection for the three-year study began in 1995 and will finish this year.
      Researchers are seeking participation by African-American families with two or more living men who have had prostate cancer. Those who meet the above criteria are urged to call 800-777-3035. Participants will be asked to fill out a mail-in health questionnaire and have a sample of blood drawn. No physical examinations are required. Family members both with and without prostate cancer, including women, may be asked to participate. No travel or expense is required; the Hutchinson Center will arrange and pay for the blood to be drawn in a local doctor's office or laboratory. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
      Although the causes of prostate cancer are not well-understood, scientists think heredity plays a role. Different genes may be responsible for causing prostate cancer in different subgroups of the population.
      African Americans have a 60-percent higher incidence of prostate cancer and a 100-percent higher death rate from the disease as compared with Caucasian Americans. Finding these genes, the researchers say, could provide clues to help diagnose, treat, cure and even prevent prostate cancer.

Current contents
current news
share your stories
lowfat
Advocacy
links to help and support
Cover

Email us!To contact us or report problems with pages E-mail
[email protected]
August 3, 1998. Last modified December 26, 1998

PSA Rising
prostate cancer survivor news
http://www.psa-rising.com
©1998-1999


"Disgraceful Tragedy" African- American Prostate Cancer Crisis

bcl-2 Gene Linked to African-American Prostate Cancer

Late Diagnosis, Poor Care
Factors in African American Prostate Cancer Disaster