Racial differences in postpandemic trends in prostate-specific antigen screening.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted routine healthcare services, including cancer screening.
• Prostate cancer screening is crucial for early detection and improved patient outcomes.
• Existing racial disparities in healthcare access and outcomes may have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine trends in prostate cancer screening rates among Black and White men before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify and quantify racial disparities in the recovery of prostate cancer screening rates.
• To understand the potential impact of socioeconomic factors and healthcare access on these disparities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for the years 2018, 2020, and 2022.
• Focus on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening rates in men aged 45-75 years.
• Statistical comparison of screening trends between racial groups (Black vs. White men).

Main Results:

• Prostate cancer screening rates initially declined for both Black and White men during the pandemic.
• Screening rates showed a subsequent recovery trend post-pandemic for both groups.
• The pace of recovery differed significantly, with White men exhibiting a faster rebound in screening rates compared to Black men.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic widened existing racial disparities in prostate cancer screening.
• Socioeconomic factors, healthcare access, and systemic biases likely contributed to slower screening recovery among Black men.
• Targeted interventions are necessary to address inequalities and ensure equitable access to prostate cancer preventive care.