Prostate cancer management varies by race

Prostate cancer management varies by race -

By Kate Bass , B.Sc.

a study published in the Journal of Urology® indicates that treatment for prostate cancer at low risk, rather than watchful waiting, is more likely to be sought by black men

the prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. There is a gland size of a walnut, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, which produces some sperm components.

Prostate cancer is common, with more than a million diagnostic being performed per year. The incidence of prostate cancer is higher in men and cancer deaths in the African American prostate are almost 2.5 times more common in this group of men from the general population.

Although prostate cancer can grow and spread quickly, it is relatively slow growing in most cases. For this reason, it is common practice for men diagnosed with prostate cancer early not to receive treatment immediately

Instead, they are regularly checked -. watchful waiting -for signs or symptoms of aggressive cancer growth. However, some men choose to have treatment to eradicate the tumor or have prostate surgically removed despite a low risk, slow-growing prostate cancer.

The researchers analyzed the management of over 2,000 patients diagnosed with low risk prostate cancer at Kaiser Permanente Northern California between 04 and 2012. Since this is an ethnically and economically diverse population, comparisons different socio-demographic groups could be made.

Because Kaiser Permanente Northern California is a large, integrated health system covering a diverse population, it was possible to independently assess ethnic and economic influences on the choice of treatment. "

Stephen Van Den Eeden, co-principal investigator of the study.

The results showed that race / ethnicity fact influenced the decision to undergo treatment despite the 'watchful waiting is indicated clinically. Among the study population, non-Hispanic black men were more likely than white men to choose to have an independent active treatment of clinical measures.

Interestingly that among those who remained under surveillance, fewer non-Hispanic black men underwent repeat biopsy within 24 months of diagnosis compared with non-Hispanic white men.

These results are as important clinicians are increasingly reluctant to require men to undergo series re-biopsies because of complications, but black men are known to have a greater likelihood of progression of prostate cancer, which suggests that clinicians should be particularly vigilant in monitoring the black men on active surveillance. "

Scott P Kelly, co-head researcher.

Although there are differences between ethnic groups in the active treatment absorption rates in men on active surveillance, the main trigger to start active treatment was a change in clinical results showing an increased risk of disease progression, as the Gleason score and the test-specific antigen of the prostate.

Nevertheless, the findings on ethnicity highlight the importance of ensuring that the tools used in prostate cancer management are racially and culturally adapted to each patient. We must ensure that the treatment is not influenced by race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.