Research Highlights Gap in Prostate Cancer Screening for Black Men by Primary Care Doctors

Recent research underscores a significant gap in prostate cancer screening among Black men, a group at heightened risk for this disease. Despite Black men being twice as likely to die from prostate cancer compared to other groups, primary-care physicians often overlook or dismiss the importance of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing during initial health assessments. A qualitative study published in JAMA Network Open revealed that many Black men perceive their healthcare providers as gatekeepers to screening but frequently encounter dismissiveness or lack of awareness from their clinicians.

The study involved interviews with 29 Black men in the Washington state region and surveys of 63 healthcare professionals, including physicians and urologists. While urologists were generally aware of the importance of early detection strategies, primary-care providers showed much lower endorsement of the role of PSA testing in reducing mortality, with only 6% considering it a significant factor.

This discrepancy can partly be attributed to mixed messages from authoritative guidelines. For instance, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) gives a moderate recommendation (Grade C) for PSA testing and lacks specific guidance for high-risk groups like Black men. Conversely, organizations like the American Urological Association and the American Cancer Society advocate for earlier and more frequent screening for Black men, starting at ages 40 to 45.

Experts emphasize the importance of early detection, as Black men tend to be diagnosed at younger ages and more advanced stages of prostate cancer. Dr. Yaw Nyame and lead researcher Jenney Lee advocate for healthcare providers to tailor their approaches, urging conversations about PSA testing beginning in their 40s for high-risk populations. They suggest reconsidering current guidelines and increasing patient-physician trust, especially for underserved communities.

The study also highlights that many Black patients lack strong relationships with their healthcare providers to facilitate shared decision-making. The authors call for a shift in the medical community’s perceptions and practices regarding prostate cancer screening among Black men, emphasizing that proactive screening could significantly reduce mortality in this vulnerable population.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-primary-doctors-overlook-prostate-cancer.html