Skip to Main Content

An official website of the United States government

Racial and Ethnic Differences in PSA Screening outcomes by race: A Secondary Analysis of PLCO Data

Principal Investigator
Name
Randy A. Jones
Degrees
PhD, RN, FADLN, FAAN
Institution
The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
Position Title
Professor
Email
About this CDAS Project
Study
PLCO (Learn more about this study)
Project ID
PLCO-1912
Initial CDAS Request Approval
Jul 22, 2025
Title
Racial and Ethnic Differences in PSA Screening outcomes by race: A Secondary Analysis of PLCO Data
Summary
Despite disparities in prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates among racial and ethnic groups—particularly between White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic men—there is still insufficient data available to assess potential differences in the benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening by race. Although the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Screening Trial is underpowered to detect race-specific differences in prostate cancer mortality, its large and diverse study population allows for secondary analyses of screening outcomes. The objective of this analysis is to examine whether differences exist among racial and ethnic groups in PSA screening frequency, prostate cancer incidence, follow-up procedures after positive screening tests, and tumor characteristics.
Aims

The objective of this study is to examine racial and ethnic disparities in prostate cancer screening and diagnostic outcomes using data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial. Specifically, this study aims to assess differences among White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic men in PSA screening participation, biopsy follow-up after positive screening tests, and prostate cancer incidence. In addition, tumor characteristics such as Gleason scores and clinical stage at diagnosis will be analyzed to explore whether racial and ethnic disparities persist beyond initial screening. By leveraging a nationally representative cohort, this secondary analysis will inform efforts to improve equitable screening practices and early detection strategies in diverse populations. Findings will support future research aimed at reducing disparities and advancing patient-centered cancer prevention.

Collaborators

David N. Martin, PhD
University of Virginia School of Medicine
1350 Jefferson Park Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22908

Randy A. Jones, PhD, RN, FADLN, FAAN
University of Virginia School of Nursing
202 Janette Lancaster Way, Charlottesville, VA 22903