Christopher J. Kane, MD, FACS, presented “Racial Justice and Prostate Cancer” during the 29th Annual Perspectives in Urology: Point-Counterpoint, on November 18, 2021, in Coronado Island, San Diego, California.

How to cite: Kane, Christopher J. “Racial Justice and Prostate Cancer.” November 18, 2021. Accessed Jul 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/racial-justice-and-prostate-cancer​​​/

Racial Justice and Prostate Cancer – Summary

Christopher J. Kane, MD, FACS, the Dean of Clinical Affairs at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, and the CEO of the UC San Diego Health Physician Group, discusses the role of race in prostate cancer mortality among Black men. Dr. Kane presents data showing that both the incidence and rate of death from prostate cancer are significantly higher in Black men, and that this ratio has remained consistent over time. Referencing the SEER database, Dr. Kane notes that Black men were twice as likely to die of prostate cancer. While there are claims that biologic differences between Black and White men are to blame for the rate of death, Dr. Kane points out that the genetic differences between Black men are similar to the genetic difference between White men. He further adds that inheritance patterns of Black Americans are highly variable and cannot be considered a homogenous biological construct. Beyond genetic factors, Dr. Kane mentions other possible causes for the disparity including environmental factors, care dynamics, care quality, and availability. He then reviews a study that analyzed three cohorts to determine whether Black race was associated with inferior prostate cancer outcomes if patients had similar access to care and standardized treatment. The results indicate that Black men were not at higher risk of prostate cancer mortality when they had access to better healthcare. He concludes that physicians can save nearly 4,000 Black men who would otherwise die of prostate cancer each year. Regardless of potential factors impacting disease risk and progression in Black men, Dr. Kane maintains that providing superb screening, detection, and treatment can reduce the observed racial difference in prostate cancer outcomes.

About the 29th Annual Perspectives in Urology: Point Counterpoint conference:
Presented by Program Chair and Grand Rounds in Urology Editor-in-Chief E. David Crawford, MD, this conference brought together leading experts in urology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology to discuss and debate the latest topics in genitourinary cancers, primarily prostate cancer and bladder cancer. This interactive conference offered topical lectures, pro/con debates, interesting-case presentations, interactive panel discussions, and interactive audience and faculty networking.