A study conducted by Prostate UK has revealed that black men have twice the risk for prostate cancer than white men and even more than Asian men. It is becoming the most commonly spread cancer in the United Kingdom and the research is meant to better warn men of varying ethnicities of the potential risk.
Every year, around 41,700 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, from which 10,800 die in the UK. It is estimated to become the most common form of cancer by 2030, so researchers have conducted more studies on the matter before that can happen and possibly prevent it. According to Prostate UK, this could aid in better decision making and cautionary actions to be taken.
The research paper studied and investigated the likelihood for men to be diagnosed or die due to prostate cancer depending on the major ethnic group the men belonged to. The purpose was to better determine and inform various men on whether or not they should rush to the doctors and request for the PSA test (prostate specific antigen).
The study estimated the differences between ethnic groups, observing that the risk of being diagnosed with cancer is of 29.3%, or one in four, for black men, no matter their descent from African, Caribbean or other origins. White men had a risk of 13.3%, or one in eight, and Asian men 7.9%, or one in thirteen, no matter their origins, such as Pakistani, Indian or other groups.
Meanwhile, the risk of dying from prostate cancer reflected a similarly large risk for black men in general with 8.7%, or one in twelve, chances of perishing from the disease. White men had a risk of 4.2%, or one in twenty four, while Asian men a mere 2.3% in comparison, or one in forty four.
Researchers are not sure why the risks vary so much from one ethnicity to another, though so far the most common theory seems to be genetics. While the chances can improve from one man to another belonging to the same ethnic group, depending on family history, age or body weight, there is a clear difference between rate of diagnosis and death for black, white and Asian men.
Overall, all men have a one in three chance of dying from prostate cancer, no matter the race, so it underlines the problem of caution and frequent visits to the doctor. The study can be used as a cautionary observation and raise awareness for men worldwide to consult a medical professional.
Image source: atlantabariatrics.com
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.