Preventing The Most Common Cancers In The Black Community
Prostate Cancer
Source: Jay Yuno / Getty
The stats
According to the University of Michigan Health Lab, Black men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer compared to white men. Furthermore, it is one of the most common cancers among Black men. Prostate cancer accounts for roughly 37 percent of cancer cases in Black men.
Prevention
Speak to the men in your life about their prostate cancer risk. You can be an ally to your boyfriend, husband, brother, father, son or friend in the fight against prostate cancer. The CDC reports that married men are more likely to go to the doctor than non-married men. While they haven’t determined why, they theorize that female partners influence men to make healthy choices so be that influence.
Additionally, Mayo Clinic reports that these lifestyle choices might reduce one’s chances of prostate cancer:
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in fats and rich with fruits and vegetables.
- Exercising regularly. Maintaining a healthy weight might reduce risk of prostate cancer
- Know your family history. Men with a family history of prostate cancer are at an increased risk.
