Study: Neighborhood affects prostate cancer risk in men of West African ancestry
Summary
Black men of West African genetic ancestry have a much higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men of other races. The risk is even greater when they live in deprived or disadvantaged neighborhoods. (Posted 2/26/25)
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RELEVANCE
Most relevant for: Men with West African ancestry.
It may also be relevant for:
- healthy people with average cancer risk
Relevance: Medium-High
Strength of Science: Medium-High
What is this study about?
This study looked at why Black men are more likely to develop and die of cancer than men of other races. Researchers looked at genetics and neighborhood factors to see how they affect cancer risk. They found that men of West African ancestry were at greater risk of cancer. They also found that neighborhoods can significantly impact Black men’s chance of getting cancer.
Why is this study important?
cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. Black men with West African genetic ancestry are more likely to develop cancer and are twice as likely to die of the disease. Most Black people in the United States are of West African genetic ancestry, which has been shown by international studies to increase the risk of cancer.
Research also links where people live with their risk of developing or dying of cancer. People who live in economically struggling neighborhoods have a higher risk of the disease. These individuals are more likely to lack regular work, stable housing and enough to eat—all factors that increase individual and community stress. These neighborhoods are sometimes described as deprived or suffering from deprivation.
This study is the first to look at how West African genetic ancestry and neighborhood deprivation combine to affect cancer risk.
Study findings
This study involved 1,469 participants from Baltimore, with 733 identifying as Black and 736 as white. The average age of participants was just under 65. Study participants were enrolled in the NCI-Maryland Cancer Case-Control study, research that compares people with cancer to a control group of people of the same ages and race. The research team followed participants for 15 years and used testing to determine West African ancestry.
First, the researchers wanted to determine if there was a link between West African ancestry and cancer. They found that having West African genetic ancestry increased the risk of developing cancer.
Next, the researchers looked at both genetics and neighborhoods.
Neighborhood was measured using a neighborhood deprivation index (NDI) score that included factors such as:
- Percentage of households in poverty
- Percentage of households headed by women with children
- Percentage of households on public assistance
- Percentage of households earning less than $30,000 a year
- Percentage of unemployed people
- Percentage of people in managerial jobs
A higher NDI percentage means that a neighborhood faces more challenges that can lead to stress for the community. Living in an area with high NDI was a risk factor for cancer regardless of ancestry. In other words, neighborhood deprivation can affect cancer risk regardless of ancestry.
Among study participants living in neighborhoods with a high NDI, having West African ancestry was associated with an greater increased risk of developing cancer.
- Specifically, men with West African genetic ancestry are nearly twice as likely to develop cancer if they live in a neighborhood with a high NDI as compared to living a neighborhood with a low to medium NDI.
- Among study participants living in neighborhoods with medium to low levels of NDI, having West African ancestry was associated with a reduced risk of developing cancer. Specifically, men with West African genetic ancestry who live in neighborhoods with medium to low NDI have an almost 80% lower risk of developing the disease.
There was no link between neighborhoods and death from cancer.
The lead authors suggest that people who live in wealthier neighborhoods may have some protection against cancer risk but not against cancer deaths.
What does this mean for me?
If you are a male of West African genetic ancestry you may have an increased risk of cancer. If you are a male of West African genetic ancestry and living in a disadvantaged neighborhood you may additionally increase your risk of developing cancer. The authors believe this may relate to higher stress caused by difficult life circumstances.
Overall, this study suggests that improving a neighborhood environment can help reduce the burden of cancer for everyone regardless of ancestry. Improving neighborhood environment may lower the risk more for those with West African genetic ancestry, particularly for men living in areas with high deprivation.
Many people do not have the means or resources to improve their neighborhood environment. It’s important for people who cannot relocate to explore other ways to manage and reduce stress. Simple lifestyle changes, like getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet and staying active, can make a difference. Additionally, engaging in relaxing activities, such as spending time outdoors or with loved ones, can help. Apps and online videos that provide mindfulness meditation or yoga can also help to reduce stress. Use community resources, such as local health clinics, libraries, health fairs and community centers, if possible.
FORCE holds virtual support groups based on the communities where people identify. You can find more about our support groups here.
Reference
Pichardo CM, Ezeani A, Acevedo AM, et al. West African Genetic Ancestry, Neighborhood Deprivation, and Cancer. JAMA Network Open. 2024;7(9):e2433546.
National Cancer Institute News Release. study links neighborhood environment to cancer risk in men with West African genetic ancestry. Published September 16, 2024.
Disclosure: FORCE receives funding from industry sponsors, including companies that manufacture cancer drugs, tests and devices. All XRAYS articles are written independently of any sponsor and are reviewed by members of our Scientific Advisory Board prior to publication to assure scientific integrity.
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posted 2.26.25
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- What is my risk of developing cancer?
- What, if anything, can I do to decrease the likelihood that I will develop cancer?
- Do you recommend cancer screening for me at this time? What are the risks and benefits associated with this screening?
- Do you recommend genetic testing for me?
Guidelines
The following are commonly used guidelines for cancer screening in average-risk people. View our risk-management section for cancer screening guidelines for people with mutations in genes linked to cancer.
|
Age
|
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force () |
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) |
American Cancer |
|---|---|---|---|
|
40-45 |
No recommendation |
Recommends discussing screening for those at high risk because they are either African American, have tested positive for a (“cancer gene”) or have a “concerning family history”. Consider establishing baseline and digital rectal examination (DRE). For those at high risk, if is low (less than1 ng/mL), retest every 2 to 4 years. If is 1-3 ng/mL and DRE is normal, retest annually. |
Recommends discussing screening for those who have more than one who developed cancer at an early age |
|
45-49 |
No recommendation |
Recommends discussion of screening. Consider establishing baseline and digital rectal examination (DRE). If is low (less than1 ng/mL), retest every 2 to 4 years. If is 1-3 ng/mL and DRE is normal, retest annually. |
Recommends discussing screening for those at high risk because they are either African American or have a who developed cancer younger than 65 |
|
50-54 |
No recommendation |
Recommends discussion of screening. If is low (less than1 ng/mL), retest every 2 to 4 years. If is 1-3 ng/mL and DRE is normal, retest annually. |
Recommends discussing screening for those who have average risk and are expected to live at least 10 years |
|
55-69 |
Recommends individual decision making after discussion with clinician about the possible benefits and harms |
Recommends discussion of screening If is low (less than1 ng/mL), retest every 2 to 4 years. If is 1-3 ng/mL and DRE is normal, retest annually. |
Recommends discussing screening for those who have average risk and are expected to live at least 10 years |
|
70-74 |
Screening not recommended |
Recommends discussion of screening. If is low (less than1 ng/mL), retest every 2 to 4 years. If is 1-3 ng/mL and DRE is normal, retest annually. |
Recommends discussing screening for those who have average risk and are expected to live at least 10 years |
|
75 and older |
Screening not recommended |
Screening not recommended for most people. For very healthy people (no other chronic disease), if is less than 4 ng/mL and DRE is normal, may consider retesting every 1 to 3 years or discontinuing screening. |
No recommendation |
Of note, there are many other guidelines, some of which are considerably different than these.
Updated: 02/26/2025