Improving Black America's Prostate Cancer Conditions - One Man at a Time by Thomas A. Farringston

Fact: Black men in the United States have the world's highest prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates. Most likely, you have heard these words before, but stop and think about what this really means for a moment. We suffer more than any other men in the world from prostate cancer. While this is a scary thought, the havoc played out within our communities from this disease is a frightening realization for countless families who witness the death and reduced quality of life for loved ones. Why do we suffer the worst conditions when it comes to prostate cancer? The answer is that we don't know why, and in my opinion Black America is not yet pursuing the answer to this question aggressively enough. However, prostate cancer becomes a personal battle for hundreds of black men, as they are diagnosed with this disease each day, and most are ill-prepared. This is a situation that every man can address beginning today.

As a five- year prostate cancer survivor and an advocate in the area of prostate health education and awareness, I am struck by how isolated men are when it comes to knowledge of their prostate healthcare. Standing isolated without any knowledge or the ability to have a meaningful discussion with your doctor is a disaster in the making when it comes to your prostate. This is especially true for those men at high risk for prostate cancer. Unfortunately, this situation is the norm and a major contributor to the African American mortality disparity, as well as quality of life issues.

Usually when I ask men about their PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen test - one of the most widely used screening tests for prostate cancer), the vast majority will have no idea about their level, and at times whether their doctor even conducted the test. Very few men will have any knowledge of their prior 2 -3 PSA readings. This lack of knowledge means "you" have no idea of your prostate health, and this lack of knowledge can prove deadly.

All black men are at high risk for prostate cancer and need to personally and thoroughly monitor their prostate health, beginning no later than age forty. This monitoring is necessary for early prostate cancer detection. Early detection saves lives and is an important factor in preserving your quality of life should cancer be detected. In fact, the quality of life issues associated with prostate cancer should be understood and stressed much stronger.

Bottom-line: the prostate is a sex organ. Prostate cancer and treatments for it, can rob a man of his ability to have an erection, and cause him impotency. Thus, early detection for this cancer is a critical factor when it comes to preserving sexual function. And I think every man will agree that sexual function is important when it comes to the quality of his life. Knowing this, would probably make most men want to have a meaningful discussion with their doctor about their prostate health. However, most men (regardless of their socio-economic status), do not know how to initiate this meaningful dialogue - I didn't.

Before my prostate cancer diagnosis, I never had the prostate cancer discussion. My primary care doctor and I never talked about my risk level, the proper screening guidelines, and the significance of my PSA tests over time. I now know this was the wrong approach and want other men to recognize it for their benefit.

In my new book; "Battling The Killer Within and Winning", I introduce the concept of "personal prostate health management". A simple to use guide included as an appendix, gives men the ability to practice it. Personal prostate health management is about men understanding and actively coordinating their personal prostate health care. It is a mistake to assume that your primary care doctor will do this for you. The straight forward and simple to use guide will make it possible for any man to have the all important dialogue with his doctor about his prostate health on a continuing basis. This removes all assumptions, and together with your doctor you can ascertain that you understand your prostate health status. What I am advocating through personal prostate health management is certainly nothing complex and may seem to many like a small step. In reality, however, this is a quantum leap from where most men are today and can have an enormous positive impact.

Why do we suffer the world's worst conditions when it comes to prostate cancer? Until we know the answer(s) to this question, and solutions, I encourage you as readers, black men, prostate cancer survivors and families, to understand and practice "personal prostate health management" to improve our conditions "one man at a time". I reiterate, this is a strategy that can begin today for every man.

Thomas A. Farrington is the author of the books; Battling The Killer Within and Battling The Killer Within and Winning, online at www.battlingthekillerwithin.com. He is also the founder of the Prostate Health Education Network, Inc. (www.prostatehealthed.org), a non profit organization focused on the unique education and awareness needs for African American men.

For interviews and other related questions, email Mr. Farrington at thomas@prostatehealthed.org