Cancer can affect all ages, races, and communities in devastating ways. Unfortunately, data shows certain groups may be at greater risk for some cancer types based on race, gender, and access to healthcare. The Sentara Cancer Network is doing in collaboration with Sentara Health Equity Program is working to combat the disparities within our communities for many different types of cancer.
To understand why it is so critical to focus on reducing prostate cancer health disparities in our communities in particular, here are a few important data points:
- Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States.
- One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes.
- Several localities in Hampton Roads have higher rates of prostate cancer and higher age-adjusted mortality rates than the rest of the country.
- There are higher rates of prostate cancer in Hampton Roads than colorectal cancer.
- Black men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer as white men, and two to three times more likely to die from the disease.
- Early detection is key. Five-year survival percentage is 90 percent or higher for stage 1-3 patients and 30 percent for stage 4 patients.
Collaboration is key and that’s why the Sentara Cancer Network has partnered with community groups to focus on education and accessibility to available resources. These partnerships have helped Sentara reach community members most affected by prostate cancer and identify more ways to provide prevention, early detection education, and screening.