Study Helps African Americans Manage After Prostate Surgery
African Americans suffer from prostate cancer at a far higher rate than any other group in the U.S. A new Duke study will seek to help African-American men cope with some of the symptoms that often follow prostate surgery.
Prostate cancer strikes African Americans harder than any other group. Not only do African-American men have a 60 percent higher incidence of the disease, their mortality rate from prostate cancer is twice as high as that of Caucasian men. A new study at Duke University Medical Center is looking at some of the symptoms and problems that commonly arise for African Americans following treatment for prostate cancer. Christopher L. Edwards is one of the principal investigators for the study. "Our task is to assist men to better cope with and communicate about issues of incontinence, erectile dysfunction and pain following surgical intervention or radiation intervention for prostate cancer." Edwards says the study findings will help physicians and other health care providers better assist African-American men and their spouses or partners to cope with prostate cancer. Since the study is phone-based and nationwide, Edwards says men from anywhere in the country can participate. "They can call me directly at 681-9090. That's area code 9-1-9. Again, my name is Dr. Edwards and I'd be pleased to talk with them." I'm Cabell Smith for MedMinute.