The
deadliest killer in the black community is not gangs, or drugs, or
black-on-black crime, as deadly as they are. It’s the self-on-self
crime of ignoring our health. The biggest killers of black males
are now colon and prostate cancer. While health organizations have
spent the last two decades convincing black men it is okay to get
their prostates checked, most have still never had a colon
exam.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; background: white;”>Are these the results of the closing of the city hospitals, Homer G. Phillips Hospital, St. Louis County Hospital, Central Medical Center and the relocation of DePaul and privatizing health care?
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; background: white;”>Because African-American men are over-affected by prostate and colon cancer, this call for action is first and foremost addressed to them. African-American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world and the lowest rate of survival and the least access to health facilities.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; background: white;”>The head of the American Cancer Society, Charles J. McDonald, MD, says: “Black men in America are 1.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer and are 2 to 3 times more likely to die of the disease than white men.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana; background: white;”> Ironically, colon cancer and prostate cancer are two of the most curable of the cancers when detected early. Prostate cancer deaths have been on the decline over the past years; however, colon cancer deaths are still on the rise as the message still hasn’t made it to black men in the same way. Black men are 10 percent more likely than white men to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana; background: white;”> The American Cancer Society recently reported that though fewer African Americans are dying from colon cancer than in previous years, our death rates rank higher than any other racial or ethnic group. “font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana; background: white;”> Prostate cancer, particularly among African Americans, is “a disgraceful tragedy that needs immediate and drastic action,” says John R. Kelly, a board director of the American Cancer Society.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana; background: white;”> If this important, potentially lifesaving information is so readily available, why are African-American males so reluctant to see a doctor or a clinician who has the possibility to save our lives?
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana; background: white;”> Black men often confuse physique with health. They tend to work on their physiques, thinking they’re working on their health. As society hypes outer beauty and forsakes inner beauty, black men are so busy trying to get attention in the presentation of their outer body, they forsake their inner bodies.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>In “
“background: white;”>Colon Cancer: A Killer of Black Men,” African Americans have been able to retain our sense of culture. Nonetheless, African-American cuisine, though diverse and flavorful, is often high in fat, carbohydrates, sodium and cholesterol. Even our dishes commonly referred to as soul food, includes vegetable fixings such as greens, black eye peas and sweet potatoes, are prepared with high quantities of salt and sugars.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana; background: white;”> Diet and nutrition, the lack of proper health insurance, and stressful lifestyles remain contributing factors in why African Americans are at greater risk of developing cancer and dying from it. “font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana; background: #F8F8F8;”> Black men often do not identify trouble urinating, pain urinating or blood in the urine as possible signs of prostate cancer.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana; background: #F8F8F8;”> There are still major barriers and challenges to cancer prevention among African Americans, including continued mistrust of the medical community and negative attitudes toward specific screening tests.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana; background: white;”> In addition, the numbers of minorities residing in urban communities where pollution and cancer-causing agents are prevalent also may explain why blacks are more susceptible to getting cancer than whites. “font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana; background: #F8F8F8;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana; background: white;”>Detection is the first step. All men aged 40 and up need their physicians to check for prostate cancer with a digital rectal examination every year, and African American men as young as 35 should have a colonoscopy. African-American men and all men with a family history of prostate cancer should also get an annual PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test. Other men can wait till age 50 for the annual PSA test.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana; background: white;”> Black men, the choices are yours. What would you prefer, a biopsy or an autopsy?
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Please listen the Bernie Hayes radio program Monday through Friday at 7am and 4 pm on WGNU-920 AM or
“http://www.wgnu920am.com/”>
“text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;”>www.wgnu920am.com And please watch the Bernie Hayes TV program Saturday Night at 10pm and Friday Morning at 9 am and Sunday Evenings at 5:30 pm on KNLC-TV Ch. 24. I can be reached by fax at (314) 837-3369 or e-mail at:
“text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;”>berhay@swbell.net
