The impact of social determinants of health on Black men at the point of prostate cancer diagnosis: a scoping review

Prostate cancer (CaP) disproportionately affects Black men, who face higher rates of late diagnosis and more aggressive disease. This study explores the social determinants of health and emotional support at the point of prostate cancer diagnosis (PPCD) and how these factors influence navigation, emotional responses, and healthcare behaviors among Black men. A comprehensive scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA Extensions framework. Articles were sourced from PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to May 2022. Screening and reference management were completed using Covidence and Zotero software. Analysis of 72,710 participants revealed that race and socio-demographics significantly impacted prostate cancer treatment delays, emotional well-being, and substance use in Black men. Five studies examined quality of life, showing that factors such as medical mistrust, fatalism, exercise, and spirituality influence well-being. The PPCD phase is crucial for addressing the emotional, socioeconomic, and spiritual factors that shape Black men's experiences with CaP. This review underscores the importance of individualized, culturally sensitive approaches to reduce disparities and improve support for Black prostate cancer survivors.