Understanding Health Equity in Prostate Cancer Understanding what health equity means is an important part of creating health equity itself. By learning about and understanding health equity, we can work towards creating a more fair and just healthcare system for everyone to be able to prevent, find, treat, and survive prostate cancer. Jump To Jump To PSA Videos Types of Disparities Articles on Health Equity Support and Resources for Black Men Equity vs. EqualityEven though the words "equality" and "equity" are sometimes used interchangeably, they don't mean the same thing. Equality means treating everyone the same, no matter what their individual needs are. On the other hand, equity understands that people have different needs and suggests that resources and opportunities should be given based on those needs. This difference is important when it comes to prostate cancer because not everyone begins their journey with the same social, economic, or health conditions. To make sure we can eliminate prostate cancer for everyone, we need to aim for health equity. That means providing the right resources and opportunities to meet the unique needs of each person affected by prostate cancer.At ZERO, we define health equity as everyone having a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive prostate cancer, regardless of race, sexual orientation, financial resources, physical abilities, or area of residence. This aspiration informs everything that ZERO does in empowering every person who is affected by prostate cancer.In the same way a fence can block the field of view for some people, there are several barriers that make it harder for many looking for prostate cancer help and treatment. In the past, giving equal healthcare access to everyone was thought of as the best way to tackle those barriers. However, not every person benefits from the same support. Also, some people have different or more difficult situations and need different support in order to have the same access.But only giving different support is not enough to address the cause of these issues: the fence, so to speak. Prostate cancer care needs to be equitable for Black men, people of color, and other vulnerable communities seeking help. To do that, the healthcare system itself has to be changed and the fences have to be removed. By doing so, every person affected by prostate cancer will have fair and just treatment. Everyone will be included in current and future efforts to prevent, find, treat, and survive prostate cancer.Efforts to achieve health equity attempt to ensure that all groups managing a prostate cancer diagnosis, but especially those at greatest risk, achieve their best health possible. We work to get everyone on the prostate cancer journey what they need when they need it through our education, support, and advocacy efforts. Health Equity VideosBuilding awareness is the starting point for addressing disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. ZERO and its partners worked with Kindea Labs to create a series of public service announcement videos, with a goal for increasing awareness of prostate cancer within historically marginalized communities.Overview: Health Equity in Prostate CancerProstate cancer isn’t always well understood by those who are at risk, even though it’s the most common cancer among people assigned male at birth within the Black community. This video looks at how differences in opportunity contribute to lower quality care, encourages those in the Black community to talk with their doctors about discovering prostate cancer before its too late to treat. What can Providers, Researchers, and Policy Makers Do?This video is built to give decision makers a starting point for interpreting how their roles play a crucial part in addressing health equity. It reviews how healthcare data has proven that there is a clear inequity in outcomes for those in marginalized communities, and explains the systemic issues that have caused this historically. It also gives specific steps that doctors, researchers, and policy makers can take to make a positive difference. Public Service Announcement: Prostate Cancer in the Black CommunityEarly detection saves lives, but it’s rarely discussed, even between at-risk individuals and their doctors. This is particularly true in communities where discussing ones’ personal health can be taboo, and where historic injustices have undermined trust. This 30-second public service announcement is meant for those who may not know what prostate cancer is, and to raise awareness about early detection in the Black community. Health Disparities in Prostate Cancer Racial & Ethnic Disparities Socioeconomic Disparities Geographic Disparities Awareness & Knowledge Disparities Health Disparities in Prostate Cancer Health Disparities in Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in people assigned male at birth. We have gotten better at finding and treating both early and advanced stages of this cancer. But not everyone gets the same benefits from these improvements. Because of racism, discrimination, social, and economic challenges that have happened in the past and continue to happen today, many people don't have the same access or chances to get the care they need. As a result, many people face more challenges when it comes to preventing, detecting, treating, and surviving prostate cancer. These differences in healthcare outcomes are known as health disparities, and they prevent communities that haven't been treated fairly in the past from being as healthy as they could be. Racial & Ethnic Disparities Racial & Ethnic Disparities When we look at all types of cancers together, there are differences in how they are diagnosed, the number of deaths, and how long people survive based on their race and ethnicity. Sadly, prostate cancer has the biggest disparities among all the cancers, especially for African American/Black people. They have the worst health outcomes when it comes to prostate cancer. Compared to White people with prostate cancer, Black people are more than 1.7 times as likely to be diagnosed with it, and they are 2.1 times more likely to die from it.We don't have enough research about how prostate cancer affects other racial and ethnic groups, which makes it harder to figure out the best care for them. But from what we have learned so far, it seems that Hispanic/Latino people are less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer compared to White people. However, when they are diagnosed, it's often at a more advanced stage. Similarly, some Asian communities also tend to have advanced or metastatic prostate cancer when they are diagnosed. Recent studies have also found that American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people are not getting screened for prostate cancer as much as other racial groups. However, they have a higher chance of dying from prostate cancer. Socioeconomic Disparities Socioeconomic Disparities Education, income and wealth are directly related to a person's health. These factors are known as socio-economic status. For cancer patients, these factors become even more important in getting the help and treatment they need. But because healthcare in the United States is so expensive, it can be extremely hard for someone to get the right care if they have a lower income or no health insurance.For people facing financial difficulties and who are also at risk of prostate cancer, these problems can be even more challenging. People with lower incomes are less likely to get checked for prostate cancer because it's harder for them to get access to medical services. They also have a higher chance of being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which needs more complicated and expensive care. The rising prices of medications and treatments lead to higher out-of-pocket costs, which cause even more financial problems.These financial problems caused by the high treatment costs and their effects are known as financial toxicity. Financial toxicity often makes patients feel forced to make tough decisions about their treatment. Some may decide to skip taking their medications, try to stretch out their supply of medicines, or even decide not to get treatment at all. As a result, many patients suffer and experience negative outcomes. These can include having a lower quality of life, not getting the best care, and even a higher chance of dying. Geographic Disparities Geographic Disparities When it comes to preventing, finding, treating, and surviving prostate cancer, a person's zip code is as important as their genetic code. Recent studies show that this is especially the case for people at risk for prostate cancer who live in rural areas and in places that are in economic distress. In these communities, those at risk for prostate cancer are less likely to get PSA screenings and less likely to have access to medical care. But unfortunately, they are more likely to find out they have prostate cancer when it's already advanced, and they are also more likely to die from it.The reasons for these differences can be complex and have many factors involved. But the main cause is that some people don't have the same access to medical tests and treatments. People who live in low-income areas might struggle to pay for the care they need to treat their cancer. Those in rural communities face similar financial problems, but they also have fewer resources and need to travel long distances to get quality care because most hospitals and cancer centers are located in cities. Awareness & Knowledge Disparities Awareness & Knowledge Disparities Play Video Close Along with the differences in race, culture, finances, and areas of residence that cause health disparities in prostate cancer, there is also a problem with not having enough education about it. Many communities and people in the United States don't know much about how to find, treat, and recover from prostate cancer. Some people who are at risk for prostate cancer don't get clear information from their healthcare providers, and even if they do, it can be hard to understand and know how it applies to them. These problems affect the Black/African-American community, communities of color, and people with lower incomes more than others.Not knowing enough about prostate cancer can also make those at risk feel scared and unsure. This might make them not want to get regular screenings and could discourage them from talking to their doctor. But research shows that education programs in local communities can help people learn more about prostate cancer and understand it better. This can help them make decisions together with their doctor about getting screened, especially in communities that are the highest risk of getting the disease. Sponsors Featured Articles on Health Equity "On a Mission" CEO Blog: Summer 2024 ZERO President & CEO Courtney Bugler’s dad was her “plus one” throughout her breast cancer journey. When he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, it was her turn to be there for him. We all need that advocate, whether a spouse, partner, parent, daughter, son, or friend. This Father’s Day, be someone’s person if you can. ZERO Prostate Cancer Statement on Alonzo Mourning's Prostate Cancer Announcement Five Questions for ZERO's New Chief Mission Officer ZEROing In on Equity: Virtual Education Series ZERO Prostate Cancer Welcomes Two New Medical Advisory Board Members Dr. Jonathan Leeman and Dr. Leanne Woods-Burnham ZERO Black Men's Prostate Cancer Initiative Resources The Black Men’s Prostate Cancer Initiative is ZERO’s initiative that provides prostate cancer education resources and support groups for Black men. Some of the programing that falls under this initiative includes: Black Men's Prostate Cancer Initiative Podcast Black Men's Prostate Cancer Initiative Podcast This podcast features candid conversations about the racial barriers some men face in regards to healthcare and what we can do to achieve health equity for prostate cancer patients. Webinars Webinars As part of our continued efforts to achieve Health Equity, we include having an open dialogue about racial disparities in healthcare as part of our webinar topics. Watch on-demand now. Support and Resources for Black Men Support and Resources for Black Men The Black Men’s Prostate Cancer Initiative support groups provide prostate cancer education resources and support specifically for Black men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Our support groups under this initiative are currently fully remote, with the group being led by two licensed mental health professionals. Visit our Find a Support Group Page and use the filter to find support groups for Black men.
Jump To Jump To PSA Videos Types of Disparities Articles on Health Equity Support and Resources for Black Men
Equity vs. EqualityEven though the words "equality" and "equity" are sometimes used interchangeably, they don't mean the same thing. Equality means treating everyone the same, no matter what their individual needs are. On the other hand, equity understands that people have different needs and suggests that resources and opportunities should be given based on those needs. This difference is important when it comes to prostate cancer because not everyone begins their journey with the same social, economic, or health conditions. To make sure we can eliminate prostate cancer for everyone, we need to aim for health equity. That means providing the right resources and opportunities to meet the unique needs of each person affected by prostate cancer.At ZERO, we define health equity as everyone having a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive prostate cancer, regardless of race, sexual orientation, financial resources, physical abilities, or area of residence. This aspiration informs everything that ZERO does in empowering every person who is affected by prostate cancer.In the same way a fence can block the field of view for some people, there are several barriers that make it harder for many looking for prostate cancer help and treatment. In the past, giving equal healthcare access to everyone was thought of as the best way to tackle those barriers. However, not every person benefits from the same support. Also, some people have different or more difficult situations and need different support in order to have the same access.But only giving different support is not enough to address the cause of these issues: the fence, so to speak. Prostate cancer care needs to be equitable for Black men, people of color, and other vulnerable communities seeking help. To do that, the healthcare system itself has to be changed and the fences have to be removed. By doing so, every person affected by prostate cancer will have fair and just treatment. Everyone will be included in current and future efforts to prevent, find, treat, and survive prostate cancer.Efforts to achieve health equity attempt to ensure that all groups managing a prostate cancer diagnosis, but especially those at greatest risk, achieve their best health possible. We work to get everyone on the prostate cancer journey what they need when they need it through our education, support, and advocacy efforts.
Health Equity VideosBuilding awareness is the starting point for addressing disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. ZERO and its partners worked with Kindea Labs to create a series of public service announcement videos, with a goal for increasing awareness of prostate cancer within historically marginalized communities.Overview: Health Equity in Prostate CancerProstate cancer isn’t always well understood by those who are at risk, even though it’s the most common cancer among people assigned male at birth within the Black community. This video looks at how differences in opportunity contribute to lower quality care, encourages those in the Black community to talk with their doctors about discovering prostate cancer before its too late to treat. What can Providers, Researchers, and Policy Makers Do?This video is built to give decision makers a starting point for interpreting how their roles play a crucial part in addressing health equity. It reviews how healthcare data has proven that there is a clear inequity in outcomes for those in marginalized communities, and explains the systemic issues that have caused this historically. It also gives specific steps that doctors, researchers, and policy makers can take to make a positive difference. Public Service Announcement: Prostate Cancer in the Black CommunityEarly detection saves lives, but it’s rarely discussed, even between at-risk individuals and their doctors. This is particularly true in communities where discussing ones’ personal health can be taboo, and where historic injustices have undermined trust. This 30-second public service announcement is meant for those who may not know what prostate cancer is, and to raise awareness about early detection in the Black community.
Health Disparities in Prostate Cancer Racial & Ethnic Disparities Socioeconomic Disparities Geographic Disparities Awareness & Knowledge Disparities Health Disparities in Prostate Cancer Health Disparities in Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in people assigned male at birth. We have gotten better at finding and treating both early and advanced stages of this cancer. But not everyone gets the same benefits from these improvements. Because of racism, discrimination, social, and economic challenges that have happened in the past and continue to happen today, many people don't have the same access or chances to get the care they need. As a result, many people face more challenges when it comes to preventing, detecting, treating, and surviving prostate cancer. These differences in healthcare outcomes are known as health disparities, and they prevent communities that haven't been treated fairly in the past from being as healthy as they could be. Racial & Ethnic Disparities Racial & Ethnic Disparities When we look at all types of cancers together, there are differences in how they are diagnosed, the number of deaths, and how long people survive based on their race and ethnicity. Sadly, prostate cancer has the biggest disparities among all the cancers, especially for African American/Black people. They have the worst health outcomes when it comes to prostate cancer. Compared to White people with prostate cancer, Black people are more than 1.7 times as likely to be diagnosed with it, and they are 2.1 times more likely to die from it.We don't have enough research about how prostate cancer affects other racial and ethnic groups, which makes it harder to figure out the best care for them. But from what we have learned so far, it seems that Hispanic/Latino people are less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer compared to White people. However, when they are diagnosed, it's often at a more advanced stage. Similarly, some Asian communities also tend to have advanced or metastatic prostate cancer when they are diagnosed. Recent studies have also found that American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people are not getting screened for prostate cancer as much as other racial groups. However, they have a higher chance of dying from prostate cancer. Socioeconomic Disparities Socioeconomic Disparities Education, income and wealth are directly related to a person's health. These factors are known as socio-economic status. For cancer patients, these factors become even more important in getting the help and treatment they need. But because healthcare in the United States is so expensive, it can be extremely hard for someone to get the right care if they have a lower income or no health insurance.For people facing financial difficulties and who are also at risk of prostate cancer, these problems can be even more challenging. People with lower incomes are less likely to get checked for prostate cancer because it's harder for them to get access to medical services. They also have a higher chance of being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which needs more complicated and expensive care. The rising prices of medications and treatments lead to higher out-of-pocket costs, which cause even more financial problems.These financial problems caused by the high treatment costs and their effects are known as financial toxicity. Financial toxicity often makes patients feel forced to make tough decisions about their treatment. Some may decide to skip taking their medications, try to stretch out their supply of medicines, or even decide not to get treatment at all. As a result, many patients suffer and experience negative outcomes. These can include having a lower quality of life, not getting the best care, and even a higher chance of dying. Geographic Disparities Geographic Disparities When it comes to preventing, finding, treating, and surviving prostate cancer, a person's zip code is as important as their genetic code. Recent studies show that this is especially the case for people at risk for prostate cancer who live in rural areas and in places that are in economic distress. In these communities, those at risk for prostate cancer are less likely to get PSA screenings and less likely to have access to medical care. But unfortunately, they are more likely to find out they have prostate cancer when it's already advanced, and they are also more likely to die from it.The reasons for these differences can be complex and have many factors involved. But the main cause is that some people don't have the same access to medical tests and treatments. People who live in low-income areas might struggle to pay for the care they need to treat their cancer. Those in rural communities face similar financial problems, but they also have fewer resources and need to travel long distances to get quality care because most hospitals and cancer centers are located in cities. Awareness & Knowledge Disparities Awareness & Knowledge Disparities Play Video Close Along with the differences in race, culture, finances, and areas of residence that cause health disparities in prostate cancer, there is also a problem with not having enough education about it. Many communities and people in the United States don't know much about how to find, treat, and recover from prostate cancer. Some people who are at risk for prostate cancer don't get clear information from their healthcare providers, and even if they do, it can be hard to understand and know how it applies to them. These problems affect the Black/African-American community, communities of color, and people with lower incomes more than others.Not knowing enough about prostate cancer can also make those at risk feel scared and unsure. This might make them not want to get regular screenings and could discourage them from talking to their doctor. But research shows that education programs in local communities can help people learn more about prostate cancer and understand it better. This can help them make decisions together with their doctor about getting screened, especially in communities that are the highest risk of getting the disease.
Featured Articles on Health Equity "On a Mission" CEO Blog: Summer 2024 ZERO President & CEO Courtney Bugler’s dad was her “plus one” throughout her breast cancer journey. When he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, it was her turn to be there for him. We all need that advocate, whether a spouse, partner, parent, daughter, son, or friend. This Father’s Day, be someone’s person if you can. ZERO Prostate Cancer Statement on Alonzo Mourning's Prostate Cancer Announcement Five Questions for ZERO's New Chief Mission Officer ZEROing In on Equity: Virtual Education Series ZERO Prostate Cancer Welcomes Two New Medical Advisory Board Members Dr. Jonathan Leeman and Dr. Leanne Woods-Burnham
ZERO Black Men's Prostate Cancer Initiative Resources The Black Men’s Prostate Cancer Initiative is ZERO’s initiative that provides prostate cancer education resources and support groups for Black men. Some of the programing that falls under this initiative includes: Black Men's Prostate Cancer Initiative Podcast Black Men's Prostate Cancer Initiative Podcast This podcast features candid conversations about the racial barriers some men face in regards to healthcare and what we can do to achieve health equity for prostate cancer patients. Webinars Webinars As part of our continued efforts to achieve Health Equity, we include having an open dialogue about racial disparities in healthcare as part of our webinar topics. Watch on-demand now. Support and Resources for Black Men Support and Resources for Black Men The Black Men’s Prostate Cancer Initiative support groups provide prostate cancer education resources and support specifically for Black men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Our support groups under this initiative are currently fully remote, with the group being led by two licensed mental health professionals. Visit our Find a Support Group Page and use the filter to find support groups for Black men.