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In the Cleveland Clinic journal, Modlin wrote that PSA cutoff levels had not been modified by race (although there are indications of disproportional impact for black men). The studies suggested there was little difference in detecting cancer – or the stage at which it was found – through earlier PSA testing.

Some of that data did not include a significant population of African American men in the studies, however, and some researchers say the recommendation from those studies does not serve black men well at all.

But black men tend to have higher PSA levels with or without cancer, according to Modlin, so regular screenings are likely more critical.

“…we believe primary care physicians should have a lower threshold for referring African American men who have a suspiciously high PSA level for further urologic evaluation,” Modlin said.

He also noted that men also can benefit from a healthy lifestyle, including daily exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight and eating a low-fat diet.

But they should get tested, know their family history and stay on top of their health profile.

Click here for answers to your “Get Well Wednesday” questions.

Knowing Your Numbers Key to Controlling Prostate Cancer  was originally published on blackamericaweb.com

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