Psychosocial stress and prostate cancer: a theoretical model.
Published
Journal Article
African-American men are more likely to develop and die from prostate cancer than are European-American men; yet, factors responsible for the racial disparity in incidence and mortality have not been elucidated. Socioeconomic disadvantage is more prevalent among African-American than among European-American men. Socioeconomic disadvantage can lead to psychosocial stress and may be linked to negative lifestyle behaviors. Regardless of socioeconomic position, African-American men routinely experience racism-induced stress. We propose a theoretical framework for an association between psychosocial stress and prostate cancer. Within the context of history and culture, we further propose that psychosocial stress may partially explain the variable incidence of prostate cancer between these diverse groups. Psychosocial stress may negatively impact the immune system leaving the individual susceptible to malignancies. Behavioral responses to psychosocial stress are amenable to change. If psychosocial stress is found to negatively impact prostate cancer risk, interventions may be designed to modify reactions to environmental demands.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Ellison, GL; Coker, AL; Hebert, JR; Sanderson, SM; Royal, CD; Weinrich, SP
Published Date
- January 2001
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 11 / 3
Start / End Page
- 484 - 495
PubMed ID
- 11572415
Pubmed Central ID
- 11572415
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1945-0826
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 1049-510X
Language
- eng