Prostate Cancer and Racial Equity: Analysis of Barriers to Health Care Access
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32635/2176-9745.RBC.2026v72n1.5391Keywords:
Prostatic Neoplasms/epidemiology, Race Factors/ethics, Health Services AccessibilityAbstract
Introduction: In Brazil, prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men, being more prevalent in older adults. However, Black men have higher incidence and mortality rates, as well as later diagnoses and reduced access to appropriate therapies, reflecting structural racial, socioeconomic, and geographic inequalities. Objective: To analyze the barriers to health care access for Black men with prostate cancer, exploring the diagnostic process, treatment choices, and adherence to therapy. Method: Integrative literature review based on searches at the databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and BVS. The descriptors “Prostatic Neoplasms,” “Health Services Accessibility,” and “Race Factors” were used, combined with Boolean operators, resulting in 32 studies included in the review. Results: The studies were organized into six categories: (1) Epidemiology and racial disparities, (2) Specific risk factors, (3) Access and barriers to early diagnosis, (4) Treatment and clinical outcomes, (5) Psychosocial aspects and quality of life, and (6) Public policies and strategies to reduce inequalities. The analyses revealed systemic inequalities in access to diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial support, as well as the influence of structural racism and underrepresentation in researches. Conclusion: Health care access for Black men with prostate cancer is limited by complex and interdependent barriers, requiring intersectoral strategies, inclusive public policies, culturally sensitive training, and expansion of oncological equity.
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