Ethnic differences in prostate cancer presentation: a time for testing advocacy

It is recognised that there are ethnic variations in prostate cancer (PCa) epidemiology, affecting outcomes. South Asians (SA) are less likely to be diagnosed with PCa than others, although recent evidence shows PCa is rising amongst SA. This study examines the differences between ethnicities in PCa presentation, progression risk and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing use.

This retrospective study is on biopsy-diagnosed PCa patients from a multi-ethnic area in London. We grouped ethnicities as SA, White, Black and others, compared presenting symptoms, PSA, Gleason score (GS), and clinical stage, and estimated the D'Amico risk across ethnicities. We also evaluated if the presentation was due to symptoms or an elevated PSA.

We studied 1176 patients with biopsy-proven PCa. Black patients were diagnosed about 3 years before others (65 ± 8.8 years, p = < 0.001). There was no significant difference between ethnicities in presenting PSAs. At presentation, 65-71% were in the high-risk D'Amico category across all ethnicities. SA were least likely to have PSA test-detected cancers (38%, p = 0.001) and had the highest proportion with advanced GS (30.6%). There was no significant difference in the risk of disease progression between groups.

Black men were diagnosed youngest. SA had the highest proportion with advanced GS. Most ethnicities had a high risk of progression. SA had the least PSA test-detected cases. The significance of the study lies in understanding ethnic variations in PCa, which could direct targeted prevention and management. We recommend further ethnicity studies and interventions encouraging SA men to embrace PSA testing.