Written by Steve Sandstrom, SIU School of Medicine
Men of color face disadvantages when it comes to health care, whether it’s cancer, stroke, heart disease or other health problems.
Numerous studies show that racial disparities and socio-economic status affect when a patient gets diagnosed with cancer, what type of treatment he gets and how likely it is he will survive. Prostate, colon and breast cancers are all more severe in African Americans. “Those cancers either tend to affect minorities more often or be more prevalent when they affect minorities,” says Dr. Wesley Robinson-McNeese an emergency medicine physician. “Or they tend to lead to death, whereas in other populations they do not.” In addition, Dr. McNeese says most cancers in African Americans are generally discovered at more advanced stages.
“If you’re an African American, think of yourself differently when it comes to testing guidelines,” says Dr. Shaheen Alanee, a urologist specializing in surgical urology. He notes that when it comes to prostate cancer, most male research test subjects have been Caucasian, so the studies are not representative. The prostate cancer we see in this group is different, it’s more aggressive, and we don’t know as much about it.” The guidelines suggest men get their prostate checked between the ages of 54 to 72. But men who have a first-degree relative — a father or brother — who was diagnosed with prostate cancer should have it checked at a younger age, he says.
Genetics, too, play a critical role in personal health. Inherited types of urologic malignancies are well known among physicians, and men need to be aware of how their family history raises a predisposition to certain diseases, primarily prostate and kidney cancers.
Strokes and diseases such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes are also more prevalent among blacks, Dr. McNeese says. He attributes this to health disparities and other difficulties African Americans face in getting health care. “The reasons are numerous – but education within minority populations and their access to health care figure into it,” he says.
If you are in need of a primary care physician, call 217-545-8000 and ask for the Center for Family Medicine. Our FQHC status gives us the opportunity to care for anyone regardless if you have health insurance or not. We are also a sign up location for people who are in need of health insurance.
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