In the fight for health equity, prostate cancer stands out as one of the most urgent issues facing African American men. Though it affects men of all races, its toll is particularly heavy in our community. It’s not just about statistics — it’s about fathers, brothers, sons, and friends whose lives are cut short or forever changed. Harlem, with its proud tradition of resilience and awareness, has an opportunity to confront this health crisis head-on.
A Disparity Too Great to Ignore
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in the United States, behind lung cancer. Yet African-American men are disproportionately affected. They are nearly 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from it compared to white men.
The disease often shows up earlier in life for African-American men and, too often, in more aggressive forms. That means men in our community not only face a higher risk, but they’re also more likely to be diagnosed when the cancer has already advanced — making treatment more difficult.
Why the Gap Exists
The reasons behind this disparity are layered. Genetics play a role — scientists have identified genetic markers more common in men of African descent that can make prostate cancer more aggressive. But biology isn’t the whole story.
Lifestyle and environmental factors — like diet, exercise, and exposure to certain chemicals — may contribute. Even more pressing are the social barriers: unequal access to health care, fewer opportunities for early screening, and the reality of racial bias in medicine. Studies have shown that African-American men are less likely to be offered PSA blood tests and less likely to receive active treatment in the early stages of the disease. For too many, something as simple as lack of insurance, or transportation to a clinic, becomes a life-threatening barrier.
Screening: Knowledge is Power
The American Cancer Society advises that African-American men start talking to their doctors about prostate cancer screening at age 40 — earlier if there’s a family history. The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test is simple but powerful. Early detection often means more treatment options and a much better chance at survival.
Still, conversations about prostate health are not always easy. Cultural stigma and discomfort often keep men from speaking up. But silence is deadly. Just as Harlem has long been a place where music, politics, and culture thrive in open conversation, we must bring that same openness to talking about health.
Resources Right Here in Harlem
The good news is that help is close to home. Several institutions are working directly in Harlem to break down barriers and bring screenings to the people:
- Mount Sinai Health System operates mobile prostate cancer screening programs in Harlem neighborhoods, making PSA tests more accessible.
- The Tisch Cancer Center, also part of Mount Sinai, partners with community and faith-based organizations to provide education and outreach in East and Central Harlem.
- CancerCare, a national nonprofit with a New York presence, offers free counseling, navigation, and support groups for men and their families facing cancer.
These programs are more than medical services — they’re lifelines that make prevention and healing possible within the community.
National Support Networks
For those seeking information and support beyond Harlem, several national organizations offer tailored resources:
- The American Cancer Society (1-800-227-2345) provides 24/7 information, rides to treatment, and survivor networks.
- ZERO Prostate Cancer runs a Black Men’s Prostate Cancer Initiative, creating safe spaces and free PSA screening opportunities.
- The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) funds groundbreaking research while offering accessible guides and webinars.
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI) delivers up-to-date, science-backed information for patients and families navigating prostate cancer.
Harlem, It’s Time to Act
Harlem has always been a place where awareness sparks action. From civil rights to cultural revolutions, our community has stood at the forefront of change. Health must be part of that legacy.
If you’re an African American man over 40 — or if you love one — start the conversation about prostate health today. Get informed, get screened, and take advantage of the resources available. Prostate cancer may be a formidable opponent, but with awareness, access, and action, Harlem can help turn the tide.
This Month’s Featured Articles
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Common stands as something increasingly rare: an artist who has aged with integrity. Not defined by awards alone, but by ecosystems nurtured — creative, cultural, and civic.
In Harlem, where cultural revolutions have always taken shape, Dance Theatre of Harlem continues to dance the future forward — one line, one rhythm, one generation at a time.
As Harlem faces the pressures of economic change, the Schomburg Center remains a stabilizing force. It is a place where ancestors speak, where scholars gather, and where community memory is treated as sacred infrastructure.
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In the fight for health equity, prostate cancer stands out as one of the most urgent issues facing African American men. Though it affects men of all races, its toll is particularly heavy in our community. It’s not just about statistics — it’s about fathers, brothers, sons, and friends whose lives are cut short or forever changed. Harlem, with its proud tradition of resilience and awareness, has an opportunity to confront this health crisis head-on.
A Disparity Too Great to Ignore
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in the United States, behind lung cancer. Yet African-American men are disproportionately affected. They are nearly 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from it compared to white men.
The disease often shows up earlier in life for African-American men and, too often, in more aggressive forms. That means men in our community not only face a higher risk, but they’re also more likely to be diagnosed when the cancer has already advanced — making treatment more difficult.
Why the Gap Exists
The reasons behind this disparity are layered. Genetics play a role — scientists have identified genetic markers more common in men of African descent that can make prostate cancer more aggressive. But biology isn’t the whole story.
Lifestyle and environmental factors — like diet, exercise, and exposure to certain chemicals — may contribute. Even more pressing are the social barriers: unequal access to health care, fewer opportunities for early screening, and the reality of racial bias in medicine. Studies have shown that African-American men are less likely to be offered PSA blood tests and less likely to receive active treatment in the early stages of the disease. For too many, something as simple as lack of insurance, or transportation to a clinic, becomes a life-threatening barrier.
Screening: Knowledge is Power
The American Cancer Society advises that African-American men start talking to their doctors about prostate cancer screening at age 40 — earlier if there’s a family history. The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test is simple but powerful. Early detection often means more treatment options and a much better chance at survival.
Still, conversations about prostate health are not always easy. Cultural stigma and discomfort often keep men from speaking up. But silence is deadly. Just as Harlem has long been a place where music, politics, and culture thrive in open conversation, we must bring that same openness to talking about health.
Resources Right Here in Harlem
The good news is that help is close to home. Several institutions are working directly in Harlem to break down barriers and bring screenings to the people:
- Mount Sinai Health System operates mobile prostate cancer screening programs in Harlem neighborhoods, making PSA tests more accessible.
- The Tisch Cancer Center, also part of Mount Sinai, partners with community and faith-based organizations to provide education and outreach in East and Central Harlem.
- CancerCare, a national nonprofit with a New York presence, offers free counseling, navigation, and support groups for men and their families facing cancer.
These programs are more than medical services — they’re lifelines that make prevention and healing possible within the community.
National Support Networks
For those seeking information and support beyond Harlem, several national organizations offer tailored resources:
- The American Cancer Society (1-800-227-2345) provides 24/7 information, rides to treatment, and survivor networks.
- ZERO Prostate Cancer runs a Black Men’s Prostate Cancer Initiative, creating safe spaces and free PSA screening opportunities.
- The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) funds groundbreaking research while offering accessible guides and webinars.
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI) delivers up-to-date, science-backed information for patients and families navigating prostate cancer.
Harlem, It’s Time to Act
Harlem has always been a place where awareness sparks action. From civil rights to cultural revolutions, our community has stood at the forefront of change. Health must be part of that legacy.
If you’re an African American man over 40 — or if you love one — start the conversation about prostate health today. Get informed, get screened, and take advantage of the resources available. Prostate cancer may be a formidable opponent, but with awareness, access, and action, Harlem can help turn the tide.
This Month’s Featured Articles
Cynthia Erivo’s legacy is still unfolding, but its foundation is already clear. She is not merely collecting accolades; she is reshaping the rooms she enters.
Common stands as something increasingly rare: an artist who has aged with integrity. Not defined by awards alone, but by ecosystems nurtured — creative, cultural, and civic.
In Harlem, where cultural revolutions have always taken shape, Dance Theatre of Harlem continues to dance the future forward — one line, one rhythm, one generation at a time.
As Harlem faces the pressures of economic change, the Schomburg Center remains a stabilizing force. It is a place where ancestors speak, where scholars gather, and where community memory is treated as sacred infrastructure.
FeaturedG.Keith AlexanderHarlem - The Most Soulful Place On Earth™
Harlem’s New Hospitality Landmark: Inside the Press Conference at The George at Columbia
