The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Consortium of National Networks [CDC National Networks Driving Action] have a shared focus on health equity, cancer, and tobacco-related disparities, specifically among low-income populations and other populations with low socioeconomic status (SES) characteristics. The organizations have announced the newly released user-friendly fact sheet “Addressing Prostate Cancer and Social Determinants of Health,” featuring free resources available to all populations nationwide.
“In observance of Prostate Cancer Awareness month in September, all sectors, organizations, and professionals can use and share this user-friendly resource,” said Dwana “Dee” Calhoun, MS, DrPH Candidate, National Network Director.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men (after skin cancer) and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men (after lung cancer). Each year, nearly 300,000 men in the United States receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, and 35,000 men die from it.
Early detection of prostate cancer is important: For prostate cancers diagnosed in localized or regional stages, the five-year relative survival rate is 100%. Because prostate cancer is often curable if detected early, increasing awareness, early detection, and treatment options for prostate cancer is important, especially for populations that do not see a doctor regularly.
Men with high SES characteristics are more likely to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, perhaps due to increased access to health care. Black men are twice as likely to die of prostate cancer than White men and experience higher rates of prostate cancer and worse prostate cancer outcomes for many reasons, such as genetic factors, a lack of representation in clinical trials, and decreased access to care, according to the CDC.
All men aged 40 and older should discuss their prostate cancer risk with a health care provider.
