HJAR Mar/Apr 2023

46 MAR / APR 2023 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS The Quiet Epidemic: DIALOGUE COLUMN UROLOGY ONE AREA where minorities are often dis- proportionately impacted is in the incidence of urologic conditions, including rates of cer- tain urologic cancers, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. These conditions can have deep repercussions for patients’ health, self-esteem, and their ability to lead satisfying lives. Seen below are a few statistics about uro- logic health issues that disproportionately impact Black and Hispanic communities in Arkansas. Hopefully, these facts and figures can serve as conversation starters, helping physicians find ways to encourage minority patients to seek screening and urologic care. Prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer African American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer diagnosis of any ra- cial group in the U.S. According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health, African American men are over 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than white men, with an incidence rate of 175.8 cases per 100,000, compared to 118.9 cases per 100,000 in white men. The chance of dying from prostate can- cer is much higher for Black men as well, with 37.4 deaths per 100,000, compared to a rate of 17.9 for white men. Because of Urologic Health Disparities in Minority Populations April is National Minority Health Month, and that makes it a good opportunity to raise awareness about the unique health challenges and disparities minority populations may face.