MLK Jr’s Son Died from Prostate Cancer Like Too Many Black Men
Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, died this week from prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in Black men. Unfortunately, when we look at the statistics regarding prostate cancer, Black men have worse outcomes.
1 in 6 Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Sadly, Black men are 2x more likely to die from prostate cancer.
What is a the prostate?
The prostate is a gland found in the male reproductive system that helps make fluid semen.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is when abnormal and uncontrolled cells grow in the prostate causing structural and functional problems and potentially spreading to other parts of the body
What is prostate cancer worse in Black man?
Heavy question because there are systemic and genetic reasons why prostate cancer is worse in Black men.
First, Black men tend to be diagnosed later and with more aggressive prostate cancer because of gaps in screenings and accessible health care.
Second, there are genetic mutations that are more common in prostate cancer in Black men that make it more difficult to treat.
When should men get screened for prostate cancer?
General prostate cancer screening should start the age of 55 years old.
BUT, prostate cancer screening for Black men and other high risk men should start at 45 years old
How is prostate screening done?
There are TWO ways that prostate cancer screening is done.
The most common is with a BLOOD TEST by checking PSA (prostate specific antigen) testing
The not so common any more test but is still done in some spaces is a DRE (digital rectal exam)
How do I know if my prostate is having a problem?
The early signs of prostate related symptoms as associated with peeing and what we call LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms)
LUTS include trouble peeing, hesitation when peeing, weak stream, dribbling, peeing a lot at night, or increased urgency or frequency peeing.
BUT, the most common prostate problem is BPH (benign prostate enlargement) so all because someone has peeing symptoms DOES NOT mean they have cancer. Most men as they age will develop BPH. Everyone should be screened for prostate cancer and if they have urinary or peeing issues get worked up for the cause just in case there is a problem and treatment they should consider.
Is prostate cancer treatable?
When found early prostate cancer is treatable through radiation, chemotherapy, and/or surgery.
All men should be screened for prostate cancer.
Contact your doctor if you think you need to be screened. Encourage others around you to be screened. Prostate cancer happens to 1 in 6 Black men and is more common than people think, especially because not everyone has symptoms.
***
Harris Family Health is a innovative approach to primary care that provides accessible, affordable, and quality care to adults and children. Harirs Family Health empowers patients to prioritize their health through convenient and evidenced based quality care.
Learn more about Harris Family Health at harrisfamilyhealth.com. Join Harris Family Health today.
