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Advocacy Action — Reaching Out to Minority Men

Cancer is often called the great equalizer. In some respects, this rings true. Cancer reaches all ages, races, both genders, and across the socioeconomic spectrum. There are, however, some populations, specifically minority populations, that have a higher incidence of cancer and higher mortality rates.

For example, African-American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the U.S. In fact, the incidence for African-American men is 60 percent higher than for white males. What’s more, the mortality rate for African-Americans with prostate cancer is double that of white males; prostate cancer is the fourth-leading cause of death among African-American men over the age of 45.

The needs of minority populations are often unmet due to disproportionately low resources for health services, screening and awareness efforts. At Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network, we recognize that this glaring disparity will not change without focused attention and action.

In 2004, Us TOO began a five-year program in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to address the high prostate cancer mortality rate among minorities and underserved communities. Now in its fifth year, this program has reached out to several minority populations with culturally sensitive education and publications, advocacy efforts, outreach, support and awareness. We will mark this year’s National Minority Cancer Awareness Week, held the third week of April, with the launch of SEA Blue, a campaign to reach out to minority men through support, education and advocacy efforts.

Your efforts, too, are vitally important to narrowing the health awareness gap that exists in many minority communities in your area. Here are some ways you can do your part:

1. Write a letter to the editor. Send a letter to your local paper about the need for preventive health, screening and outreach in minority populations. Include information about where minority populations can receive support in your area. Us TOO provides a downloadable sample letter to the editor on our website (www.ustoo.org) as part of our SEA Blue campaign.

2. Reach out to the community. Contact local churches and worship communities. Ask if you can speak to them and bring in culturally sensitive cancer awareness materials. Education and awareness efforts in minority faith communities have been an integral part of Us TOO’s Minority and Underserved Populations program. In fact, some of Us TOO’s more than 300 prostate cancer support groups are hosted in local churches.
 
3. Talk to women. Connect with minority women’s groups to educate their members about health issues facing minority families. Wives, partners and adult children play an active role in the overall health of a family. Reaching out to women in households can increase the odds of reaching the rest of their families.

Your efforts matter. Let’s work together to narrow the gap.

—From the staff at Us TOO
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education
and Support Network: www.ustoo.org
          
Helpline: 1-800-808-7866