Knowledge of prostate cancer among African American men: A systematic review

Abstract

ObjectiveRecent studies indicate that many African American men may not be making informed decisions about prostate cancer early detection. This is partly due to patients having limited knowledge about early detection of the disease.MethodsThe present review is based upon bibliographic searches in PubMed and CINAHL and relevant search terms. Articles (n = 235) published in English from 1993 through July 31, 2020 were identified using the following MESH search terms and Boolean algebra commands: prostate cancer and knowledge and African Americans.ResultsForty‐two articles were eligible for inclusion. The results of this literature review indicate that many African American men have inadequate knowledge of prostate cancer and prostate cancer early detection. Studies indicate that knowledge of prostate cancer is particularly low among older, less‐educated, lower‐income, and unmarried men, along with those who lack a regular physician or health insurance. Many African American men are unaware that they are at increased risk of prostate cancer because of their age or race.ConclusionsCulturally appropriate educational efforts are needed to inform African‐ American men about the pros and cons of prostate cancer early detection and about risk factors for the disease so that they can make an informed decision about whether prostate cancer early detection is right for them. Of particular concern is the prostate cancer knowledge of low‐income and less‐educated men, along with those who lack health care insurance or a regular provider.

Development and psychometric properties of a brief generic cancer knowledge scale for patients (BCKS-10)

“…In terms of cancer, the assessment of risks, odds and prognoses as wells as the understanding of drug leaflets and further health information are essential skills for patients. Previous studies that assessed cancer knowledge either investigated knowledge among the general population or among patients with a specific cancer diagnosis [10][11][12][13][14][15]. Surveys among the general population are also relevant (e.g.…”

Considering Predictive Factors in the Diagnosis of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer in Patients with PI-RADS 3 Lesions

“…Upon anatomical and histological evaluation, comparable region of interest locations, rates of prostate cancer, and Gleason Grade distribution were identified between AA and non-AA men. Coughlin et al highlighted that that African-American men experience significant socioeconomic pressures in the United States [30]. These stressors can manifest as inconstant office visits and loss of follow-up due to factors such as the costs associated with mpMRI imaging and urological consultation.…”

The need for a strategy on men's health

“…There are still many men unsure of their prostate health, despite the growing prevalence of prostate cancer and other prostate diseases. Deaths are also still occurring as a result of testicular cancer, which is now mostly curable when caught early 39–41 …”

“…Deaths are also still occurring as a result of testicular cancer, which is now mostly curable when caught early. [39][40][41] Cardiovascular disease is still a significant cause of male death, but there are many men with undiagnosed hypertension and high cholesterol. 42 Type 2 diabetes is another disease with marked sex and gender differences, with double the number of male amputees compared with women with diabetes as a result of the disease.…”