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A Synopsis Relating to Prostate Cancer Tristan S. Thompson, MPH Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy, Institute of Public Health PHC 7076: Cancer Epidemiology March 6, 2025

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Pathophysiology (natural history)
3. Epidemiology
4. Treatment
5. Prevention
6. Summary
7. References
8. Appendices

Epidemiology Incidence rates associated with prostate cancer illustrate a complex story associated with men experiencing this type of disease. For instance, as this disease continues to affect men, the race with the overall highest prevalence of prostate cancer is black or African American men. Incidence denoting incidence shows historical research of this race compared to others. The American Cancer Society reported a 4.5% annual increase in regional and distant-stage prostate cancer between 2011 and 2019. Among black males, the population with the highest prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates, the incidence of distant-stage disease increased even more, at 5% per year, on average, between 2012 and 2018 (Blarigan et al., 2025). Trends observed show factors such as stage at diagnosis, Race and ethnicity, and patients’ age as data utilized to explain the epidemiological concepts associated with the disease. There is evidence supporting a genetic component to the increased prostate cancer burden among African American men. However, African American men also experienced the negative impacts of structural racism on healthcare access and quality, are more likely to experience gaps in health insurance coverage, are less likely to receive guideline-concordant care, and present with more significant comorbidity at the time of diagnosis (Kensler et al., 2023). Due to genetic factors and black men being more susceptible to this disease, it is advised that they get tested earlier than the medically recognized standard of fifty years old. In fact, lowering the age for baseline PSA testing to 40 to 45 years of age from 50 to 55 years of age, followed by regular screening until 70 years of age, could reduce prostate cancer mortality in black men (approximately 30% relative risk reduction) without substantially increasing overdiagnosis (Garraway et al., 2024), In addition, research considers all the social determinants of health when assessing the overall data. Factoring individual socioeconomic status and access to care can contribute to answering the questions associated with why one race may suffer from this illness compared to others. Prostate cancer affects men of all racial and ethnic groups. It leads to higher rates of mortality in those belonging to a

lower socioeconomic status due to late detection of the disease (Sekhoacha et al., 2022). Research looks at new cases, considering some men are tested substantially later in age. Consequently, their detection is delayed due to a lack of health literacy, medical resources, and overall fear associated with the diagnosis. While some men have experienced the disease due to exposure to chemicals, others may have experienced this disease based on family genetics. However, due to some complacency in medical care, some men may prolong their process because of the advanced stage related to late detection. Men often find that this diagnosis is a secondary issue, as they may have gone to their primary care physician for another underlying disease, which, in turn, they find out their prognosis associated with prostate cancer. In additional studies, researchers have found that several core morbidities are present at the time of the patient’s prostate cancer diagnosis. In one particular study, 51% of participants had co-morbidity, with hypertension being the most common (Lillard et al., 2022). Accessing rates associated with this disease must be properly diagnosed and reported. In some instances, the other diseases present may place prostate cancer as a secondary illness if an additional problem is present requiring more urgent treatment. In addition, black men have had inadequate medical attention based on racial injustice and avoid seeking medical advice due to patient mistrust from historical issues with the medical community. Therefore, it contributes to the worsening symptoms and late-stage detection of black men. Prostate-specific antigen screening has profoundly affected the epidemiology of prostate cancer in the United States. Persistent racial disparities and outcomes for black men warrant a re-examination of the harms of screening relative to its cancer-specific mortality benefits in this population (Basourakos et al., 2022). Community engagement can address this concern, promoting a comfortable or safe space for those seeking answers to their healthcare problems. Healthcare literacy and encouraging this population of all health outcomes associated with this disease can encourage more men to be seen earlier, thus giving them more options if the disease is in fact present.

Prevention Medical advice suggests disease prevention starts with regular visits to your primary care physician, promoting a healthy lifestyle through dietary choices, and exercising regularly. To elaborate on these areas, we consider the following: Physician Visits : Regular visits to your primary care physician will address the tactic of early detection. Regular checkups and diagnostic tests can give the physician the proper baseline to address specific issues. Therefore, issues such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or any other adverse health conditions can be assessed immediately. Healthy Lifestyle : I hope your lifestyle can encompass several different factors. Choosing limited processed foods and high-sodium items can be beneficial to your health. Therefore, mills that limit red meats and overly processed foods can benefit from healthier outcomes. Reducing the risk of coronary artery disease and raising testosterone levels will ultimately contribute to the growth of that prostate gland. Instead, eating nutrient-rich foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables should be incorporated into the individual’s diet. Regular Exercise : Strengthening muscle tone and elasticity is something that every individual can benefit from. With age, muscle tissue can change, and less elasticity notably decreases. Studies showed that exercise is a natural and effective way to enhance the body’s immune response and reduce inflammation, which is linked to abnormal prostate tissue growth period. While the exact cause of BPH is not fully understood, reducing inflammation through exercise may help prevent or slow prostate enlargement and help alleviate BPH symptoms (Georgia Prostate Institute, 2025). Kegel exercises and various yoga poses are great for addressing exercise needs. Lastly, regular exercise can help control one’s testosterone, reducing the prostate gland’s growth over time.

Conclusion Like all sections of your paper, references start on their own page, like the page that follows this one. All in-text citations should be included your references.

Appendices