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American Cancer Society

It is estimated that 1 in 7 black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 white men. During 2011-2015, the average annual prostate cancer incidence rate was 179 cases per 100,000 black men, 76% higher than the rate in white men.

Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in black men. Black men have the highest death rate for prostate cancer of any racial or ethnic group in the United States, 2.2 times higher than in white men. There is also evidence that suggests that aggressive prostate cancers are more common in black men.

The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 45, black men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years have a conversation with their health care provider about the benefits and limitations of PSA testing (a blood test for the possible presence of prostate cancer) and make an informed decision about whether to be tested based on their personal values and preferences.

See “Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans 2019-2021” on the American Cancer Society website. 

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