An Assessment of Prostate Cancer Treatment Among Black and White Patients


Dr. Adrien Bernstein, a urologic oncologist from Albany Medical College in New York provides details about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prostate cancer screening and surgery.

“There is a profound racial disparity in prostate cancer surgery rates, with a 97% reduction in the likelihood of surgery for black patients, relative to white patients during the pandemic!”

– Adrien Bernstein, MD, MS, Urologic Oncologist, Albany Medical College

Key Takeaways:

  • Early in COVID-19, routine oncologic care was deferred to encourage stewardship of resources and prioritize safety.
  • Findings show large variations in prostate cancer biopsies and surgery, driven by practice sites, rather than patient biology.
  • During the COVID-19 lockdown, Black men were significantly less likely to undergo prostatectomy, despite similar COVID-19 risk factors.
  • White men were 31x more likely to receive surgical care during the lockdown.
  • There was profound racial disparity in prostate cancer surgery rates, with a 97% reduction in the likelihood of surgery for black patients, relative to white patients.
  • In prostate cancer, studies have shown that when care is equitable, the outcome gap resolves.

2 responses to “An Assessment of Prostate Cancer Treatment Among Black and White Patients”

  1. Marcia Longmire

    My husband, who was african american was diagnosed with prostate cancer during covid and passed away on Jul 15, 2022.

  2. PHEN Television

    We are very sorry for your loss Marcia.

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