Article

Reducing Prostate Cancer Morbidity and Mortality in African American Men: Issues and Challenges

Randy A. Jones

Sandra Millon Underwood

Brian M. Rivers

risk reduction, cancer-related death, psychosocial issues
CJON 2007, 11(6), 865-872. DOI: 10.1188/07.CJON.865-872

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States. It disproportionately affects African American men when compared to other ethnic groups. African American men are two to three times more likely to die of prostate cancer than white men. The reasons for the disparity remain unclear, but several factors may be involved, such as age, race, nationality, nutrition, exercise, and family history of cancer. Detection of prostate cancer in high-risk African Americans is important but continues to be controversial. This article reviews the current issues and challenges regarding prostate cancer in African American men. Nurses play a vital role in the health care and education of patients; therefore, they must be aware of the issues.

Members Only
Not a current ONS member or journal subscriber?

Purchase This Article

Receive a PDF to download and print.