Inaugural issue of American Journal of Men's Health

Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy among 15-35 year-old young men. Men over 65 tend to get prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. It's important for researchers and physicians to get as much information on these serious killers as possible so that men can be better informed; which is why the American Journal of Men's Health by SAGE, has published research on both in its very first issue which debuts in March 2007.

One article out of the Behavioral Research Center, American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both out of Atlanta, GA, focuses on a study of testicular cancer in African American men. While testicular cancer screening rates were low for all men, African American men tend to be diagnosed at a later stage of the disease, have higher mortality rates, a higher perception of fatalism and lower overall knowledge about testicular cancer itself. The researchers concluded that raising the public's awareness of testicular cancer would be a feasible goal because it could lessen the racial disparities and lower the mortality rates by encouraging earlier screening and treatment.

The other article by Donald Bailey, PhD, RN from Duke University, and Meredith Wallace, PhD, APRN,BC from Fairfield University, looked at research of early stage prostate cancer among older men and whether "watchful waiting" was a reasonable option to aggressive therapy. Health care providers are divided regarding the best treatment options for prostate cancer and, with no definitive agreement; diagnosed men tend to experience more uncertainty in making treatment decisions. One thing is certain, further work is needed to change the perception that delaying treatment, which may actually be the best option in many cases, is an automatic death sentence.

"Publishing research that can positively affect men's health is the focus of American Journal of Men's Health," commented the journal's editor, Demetrius Porche, DNS, APRN. "These two studies exploring men's cancers illustrate that mission and are examples of the types of cutting-edge information each issue will feature."

From SAGE Publications