Social Justice and Health Disparities in Prostate Cancer

The term social justice includes a variety of concepts including that of human rights and equality. Health Disparities related research has brought to the fore the question if African Americans are obtaining equality in health services. One concern is equality in life experiences in reducing the risks of prostate cancer for African American men. In a 2000 study published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, African American men were found to be at nearly twice the risk of prostate cancer compared with white men, even after adjustment for a number of known and suspected prostate cancer risk factors. African American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the US. In addition, a 2000 Roper Starch survey showed that African American men are significantly more likely than white men to experience side effects from prostate cancer treatment. They are also more likely than white men to be dissatisfied with their doctor's support. A research study was conducted in Nashville, Tennessee of African American men 40 years and older to assess their prostate cancer health care seeking behavior. An attempt was made to seek support from faith based organizations to participate in the research study. Ministers were asked to speak positively about the research and recommend that men in their congregations participate in the research. The study addressed demographic data, health care providers, satisfaction of prostate health care services, and support system in seeking health care services. Examples of findings indicated that the largest group of respondents had some college or technical training, most worked full-time, were married or living together, and received health services from a private doctor. Findings related to prostate cancer indicated that there was a mix of percentages of men who had physical examinations, had a test for prostate cancer, would ask for a prostate examination at a next visit, received social support in their health care seeking activities, and were satisfied with their health provider. Barriers in conducting the study were observed.