ニューロリハビリテーションの国際ジャーナル

Prostate Cancer Survivorship among African American Men

Abstract

Earl Bowen Jr

This article describes how African American prostate cancer survivors negotiate medical systems create guideposts for survival, and strategies for rehabilitation. The intent is to explore the availability and significance of formal and informal psychosocial support systems that are utilized by African American prostate cancer survivors and to better understand the coping and adaptation of survivors and their families. The article will address the role of social support systems, prostate cancer support groups, and self-help groups. Prostate cancer survivorship will be viewed within the larger context of cancer survivorship initiatives in the United States. According to the SEER statistics, 5 year survival by race is 99.6% for White men and 95.9% for African American men. The lower survival rate and higher mortality rate among African American men have resulted in diminished outcomes and poorer quality of life experiences.