African-American men diagnosed with prostate cancer may help future generations conquer this deadly disease by participating in a research study at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Karmanos urologist Isaac Powell, M.D., is the Detroit-area coordinator of a national study network currently pursuing vital information about the genes involved in hereditary prostate cancer. The network consists of predominantly African-American investigators across the country working in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health. This research could specifically benefit black Americans. To qualify for the study, an individual must be of African descent, diagnosed with prostate cancer, and have at least three relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Family members living outside metro Detroit are eligible to participate in the study.
Prostate cancer occurs more frequently in African-American men than in any other population, suggesting that inherited factors play a role. For every 100,000 African-American men, about 180 are diagnosed with prostate cancer. The Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of the nation's leading cancer research, treatment, education and outreach centers. It is affiliated with Wayne State University, and supported by United Way.