Prostate Cancer and African-American Men

African-American men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world. Nearly 35,000 black men are diagnosed with the disease each year, and 5,000 die. An African-American man in his life time has about a one in five chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and a one in 20 chance of dying from prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men.

Scientists do not know why prostate cancer is more common in African-American men. They are studying possible reasons, including culture, environment, and differences in the biology of the disease in African-American men.

When prostate cancer is caught early, there's a better chance of successful treatment.
The main screening tools for prostate cancer are the digital rectal examination and the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. Medical experts recommend that African-American men, and men who have a father, brother, or son with prostate cancer, should discuss with their doctor the need for annual screening starting in their 40s.