Date:7/29/2009

ar between African American and Caucasian men, but African American men had more aggressive cancer as measured by Gleason score. Compared with African Americans, Caucasian men exhibited higher physician trust scores and a greater likelihood of reporting a physician office as their usual source of care, seeing the same physician at regular medical visits, and being screened for prostate cancer. African American men were less likely to report prostate cancer screening prior to diagnosis, and men without a prior history of screening were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage or high grade prostate cancer than men who reported a history of screening. "Importantly, no differences in prostate cancer stage at diagnosis were observed between men of either race when an established relationship with a healthcare provider existed," notes Elizabeth T. H. Fontham, DrPH, Dean of the School of Public Health at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, who is the principal investigator of the Louisiana portion, and co- principal investigator of the entire study. "Through an ongoing relationship with their health care provider, patients' health status and risks are known, trust builds over time when consistent, high quality interactions between patients and providers take place, and patients are more likely to make informed decisions and receive more timely diagnosis and treatment."

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer has the highest incidence of cancers among US men and is the second most deadly. The prostate cancer incidence rate among African Americans is 55% greater than among Caucasian men, and the African American death rate is two and a half times that of Caucasian men.

The researchers conclude that addressing components of how health care is delivered, including care continuity, has the potential to meaningfully address the mortality disparity observed for prostate cancer.

Funded by the Department of Defense, the North Carolina-L
'/>"/>

Contact: Leslie capo lcapo@lsuhsc.edu 504-568-4806 Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Source:Eurekalert

0 GOOD

Page: 1 2 3
Related medicine news :

1. LSUHSC research identifies enzyme that makes survival molecule for key vision cells
2. LSUHSC research finds single gene controls growth of some cancers
3. LSUHSC researchers first to document early signs for diabetes in kids as young as 7
4. LSUHSC dental researcher funded to develop better dental materials
5. LSUHSC research shows fish oil protects against diseases like Parkinsons
6. LSUHSC research may benefit diabetes by increasing understanding of how to control islet cell growth
7. LSUHSCs England leads development of new testing guidelines for common nerve disorder
8. LSUHSCs Dr. Xiao Cheng Wu co-authors annual report to the nation on cancer
9. LSUHSCs Fontham makes history
10. LSUHSC public health contributes to estimate of HPV-related cancers
11. LSUHSC awarded grant to address nursing shortage