Monica L. Baskin, PhD, professor, Division of Preventive Medicine, vice chair for culture and diversity, Department of Medicine, associate director, Community Outreach and Engagement, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, discusses mitigating patient concerns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in prostate cancer.

Concerns regarding delayed screening and treatment for patients with prostate cancer have mounted amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Baskin says. In order to address this, it is critical to reassure patients that they can receive therapy on time and in a safe manner. 

The steps that are in place to mitigate a patient's risk of contracting COVID-19 should be thoroughly explained prior to administering therapy, Baskin emphasizes.

Ultimately, this will ​allow patients ​to voice any specific concerns or barriers they have to receiving care and hopefully, increase screening and on-time treatment administration, Baskin concludes.

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Monica L. Baskin, PhD, discusses mitigating patient concerns during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in prostate cancer.

Dr. Baskin on Mitigating Patient Concerns During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Prostate Cancer

Monica L. Baskin, PhD, professor, Division of Preventive Medicine, vice chair for culture and diversity, Department of Medicine, associate director, Community Outreach and Engagement, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, discusses the roles of race and early screening in prostate cancer.

During the ​2020 Prostate Cancer Foundation Scientific Retreat, ​key findings regarding racial disparities among men with prostate cancer were presented. The data revealed that African American ​men are 50% more likely to develop prostate cancer ​compared with non-Hispanic white men. Additionally, African American men are also at a higher-risk of developing more aggressive disease, Baskin says.

Although ​additional research is needed to determine why this disparity exists, it is clear that early disease detection is paramount, ​explains Baskin. As such, all men should be proactive in terms of getting screened for prostate cancer​, Baskin adds.

Initial screening with a digital rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen ​testing can provide valuable information regarding an individual's risk of prostate cancer​, Baskin says. Early disease identification may mean that more effective and less invasive treatment options could be used should the patient require therapy, Baskin notes.

Finally, it’s important to ensure patients understand they are not alone in their cancer journey. ​For example, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, support group​s are available for patients ​with prostate cancer, Baskin concludes.

Monica L. Baskin, PhD, discusses the roles of race and early screening in prostate cancer.

Dr. Baskin on Racial Disparities and Early Screening in Prostate Cancer

Monica L. Baskin, PhD, professor, Division of Preventive Medicine, vice chair for culture and diversity, Department of Medicine, associate director, Community Outreach and Engagement, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, discusses treatment considerations in prostate cancer. 

Treatment selection is based on a collaborative discussion with the patient and their family, Baskin says.

A number of patient factors including disease stage and grade, age, general health status, and tolerance of potential adverse effects are used to inform treatment selection, explains Baskin.

Currently, radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are available treatment options for men with prostate cancer, says Baskin. 

Additionally, eligible patients may be considered for active surveillance if they do not require immediate treatment, concludes Baskin.

Monica L. Baskin, PhD, discusses treatment considerations in prostate cancer.  


Monica L. Baskin, PhD

Articles

Dr. Baskin on Mitigating Patient Concerns During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Prostate Cancer

Dr. Baskin on Racial Disparities and Early Screening in Prostate Cancer

Dr. Baskin on Treatment Considerations in Prostate Cancer