Racial differences in postpandemic trends in prostate-specific antigen screening

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-29-2024

Publication Title

JNCI Cancer Spectr

Abstract

Our study investigates the trends in prostate cancer screening amid the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on racial disparities between Black and White men. Utilizing data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 2018, 2020, and 2022, we analyzed prostate-specific antigen screening rates in men aged 45-75 years. Our findings reveal initial declines in screening rates for both groups during the pandemic, with subsequent recovery; however, the pace of rebound differed statistically significantly between races. Whereas White men showed a notable increase in screening rates postpandemic, Black men's rates recovered more slowly. This disparity underscores the impact of socioeconomic factors, health-care access, and possibly systemic biases affecting health-care delivery. Our study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these inequalities and ensure equitable access to prostate cancer preventive care in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Medical Subject Headings

Male; Humans; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Pandemics; Race Factors; COVID-19

PubMed ID

38546486

Volume

8

Issue

2

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