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Earl Stewart, Jr. is a physician and native son of the city of Augusta, Georgia, where he grew up and attended public schooling for both his primary and secondary educations. He is a 2005 alumnus of A.R. Johnson Health Sciences and Engineering Magnet High School, where he studied on the Health Sciences curriculum while maintaining a 4.0-grade point average. He is also a 2009 alumnus of Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (Cum Laude) with a pre-medical focus with minors in Chemistry and Latin. Dr. Stewart later attended the historic Meharry Medical College’s School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, graduating with multiple honors and commendations in May of 2013. At Meharry, he was a member and leader of several medical student associations and was awarded numerous accolades for academic excellence, professionalism in medicine, humanism, and community service. Dr. Stewart is a member of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations and served on the Governor’s Council of the Tennessee State Chapter of the American College of Physicians, as Secretary of the Governing Council of the Tennessee Medical Association-Medical Student Section, as President of the Thomas-Hardy Internal Medicine Society, and as Chaplain of the Meharry Chapter of the 100 Collegiate Black Men and his medical class. He is also a member of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Honor Society for Humanism in Medicine. He completed residency training in Categorical Internal Medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical School of the prestigious Brown University and its affiliated hospitals in Providence, Rhode Island. Clinical interests are cardiovascular disease prevention, preventive medicine, spirituality in medicine, heart failure management in primary care, opioid addiction treatment, health disparities elimination, diversity in medicine, end-of-life care.
Specialties
Internal Medicine
Education & Training
Meharry Medical College School of Medicine
Certifications
American Board of Internal Medicine
Languages spoken
English
Common Treatments, Conditions, and Procedures
Migraine Headache
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.8
Based on 332 patient ratings
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust
All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.
Patient Reviews
5
Great customer service and people care experience!!
September 13, 2024
5
Both Dr. Stewart and the staff are knowledgeable and patient. Always willing to assist whenever I call.
September 12, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart leaves no stones unturned. He does a thorough examination and explains medical concerns thoroughly.
September 6, 2024
5
The staff at Dekalb Ave. is the best. Dr. STEWART IS GREAT.
September 4, 2024
5
They make you feel at home and at ease when you come to the doctor. And I love that about them. They laugh and talk and serious at the same time.
September 1, 2024
5
Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. They did a good job of explaining every thing they were doing and why. Room was clean.
August 29, 2024
5
I felt heard by my Doctor and the staff. The parking and trail entrance could have been better
August 17, 2024
5
The staff is wonderful and welcoming!
August 15, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is a top notch professional who has consistently shown a genuine interest in my health as a patient. His approach to care builds a sense of self empowerment regarding my health. I truly appreciate his commitment to service and willingness to take time in being thorough as a listener and educator.
August 15, 2024
5
The medical staff was very professional and very helpful with my visit. Would recommend this office to anyone who's looking for a good physician and staff.
August 9, 2024
5
Very friendly staff and Dr. Stewart is a great doctor. He's very knowledgeable and addresses all concerns that you have. He also explains everything clearly.
July 26, 2024
5
I had a very pleasant experience! I was educated on certain topics by Dr. Stewart as well as given remedies to help.
July 18, 2024
5
My only concern is that sometimes I can't understand his assistant. Nevertheless, she is nice and will repeat her questions.
July 20, 2024
5
A great team led by Dr. Earl stewart, Jr. Dr. Stewart treats my entire family and his very attentive, thorough and up to date with current protocols.
July 17, 2024
5
All staff members were extremely helpful and very knowledgeable. Great team!
July 5, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is a great doctor who truly cares for about my medical well being. He takes the time to address my concerns and questions. He's very professional and knows how to put this patient at ease. I get stressed over doctors visits. When you enter the office you're immediately greeting and generally you have little to no wait before you're checked in. His clinical staff are professional, courteous and always pleasant. At the end of my appointment each time I always have a peace of mind. I sing his praises to my family and friends and would highly recommend him to any of them with no hesitation.
July 3, 2024
5
I was pleased with the care and professional ism I received. They went above and beyond my expectations and I am so grateful for that.
June 28, 2024
5
I thank God for Dr. Stewart and all of his staff. Everyone takes care of me very well at my appointments. God bless you all. Thank you, again, and take care.
June 28, 2024
2
Today was a good day for me I got there a little earlier but they took care of me just fine and I really do thank you so much God bless you
June 28, 2024
5
He very thorough, he listened to my concerns, and decides the best treatment for my illness, he's professional, kind, compassionate, and has great bedside manners.
June 20, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart was really wonderful and professional and very informative explaining all of my diagnosis and whatever symptoms I may have, he was explaining it so I could understand and I really enjoyed that. So it was a really wonderful visit with Dr. Stewart.
June 21, 2024
5
As always Dr Stewart and staff are awesome!!
June 19, 2024
5
Great doctor and he cares. Give you all the time you need
June 19, 2024
5
Dr.Stewart is a wonderful, professional, caring Doctor, thats why all my family drives from Cobb County to continue to see him as our provider .He's excellent Doctor thats truly cares about the well-being of his patients .He's an asset to Wellstar.
June 12, 2024
5
A job well done!
June 7, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is great! He is attentive and runs on time. I do wish there were better parking. Had to pay $9.00 with a $0.99 service fee (so essentially $10) for 45 mins. That is ridiculous. There also needs to be clear signage facing the street. I passed the building multiple times. Front staff is great! Keep it up!
May 31, 2024
5
I love Dr. Stewart and his staff they are always so helpful and kind. I recommend this practice all the time to everyone I know.
May 28, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is excellent at explaining the details of my healthcare and he's also a very good listener. Thank you very much.
May 11, 2024
5
Hello, very good doctor, very well explained and very much helpful, trustworthy.
May 11, 2024
5
The staff were very polite, friendly and professional, the facility was clean and everything in place ..........yes I would recommend this doctor and his staff to my family and friends. While sitting in the office waiting to be checked out another patient started talking with me he told me he had went to two other doctors and was not satisfied but when he met Dr. Stewart he was very satisfied because Dr. Stewart is a real cool doctor.
May 9, 2024
5
Great customer service and people care experience!!
September 13, 2024
5
Both Dr. Stewart and the staff are knowledgeable and patient. Always willing to assist whenever I call.
September 12, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart leaves no stones unturned. He does a thorough examination and explains medical concerns thoroughly.
September 6, 2024
5
The staff at Dekalb Ave. is the best. Dr. STEWART IS GREAT.
September 4, 2024
5
They make you feel at home and at ease when you come to the doctor. And I love that about them. They laugh and talk and serious at the same time.
September 1, 2024
5
Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. They did a good job of explaining every thing they were doing and why. Room was clean.
August 29, 2024
5
I felt heard by my Doctor and the staff. The parking and trail entrance could have been better
August 17, 2024
5
The staff is wonderful and welcoming!
August 15, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is a top notch professional who has consistently shown a genuine interest in my health as a patient. His approach to care builds a sense of self empowerment regarding my health. I truly appreciate his commitment to service and willingness to take time in being thorough as a listener and educator.
August 15, 2024
5
The medical staff was very professional and very helpful with my visit. Would recommend this office to anyone who's looking for a good physician and staff.
August 9, 2024
5
Very friendly staff and Dr. Stewart is a great doctor. He's very knowledgeable and addresses all concerns that you have. He also explains everything clearly.
July 26, 2024
5
I had a very pleasant experience! I was educated on certain topics by Dr. Stewart as well as given remedies to help.
July 18, 2024
5
My only concern is that sometimes I can't understand his assistant. Nevertheless, she is nice and will repeat her questions.
July 20, 2024
5
A great team led by Dr. Earl stewart, Jr. Dr. Stewart treats my entire family and his very attentive, thorough and up to date with current protocols.
July 17, 2024
5
All staff members were extremely helpful and very knowledgeable. Great team!
July 5, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is a great doctor who truly cares for about my medical well being. He takes the time to address my concerns and questions. He's very professional and knows how to put this patient at ease. I get stressed over doctors visits. When you enter the office you're immediately greeting and generally you have little to no wait before you're checked in. His clinical staff are professional, courteous and always pleasant. At the end of my appointment each time I always have a peace of mind. I sing his praises to my family and friends and would highly recommend him to any of them with no hesitation.
July 3, 2024
5
I was pleased with the care and professional ism I received. They went above and beyond my expectations and I am so grateful for that.
June 28, 2024
5
I thank God for Dr. Stewart and all of his staff. Everyone takes care of me very well at my appointments. God bless you all. Thank you, again, and take care.
June 28, 2024
5
He very thorough, he listened to my concerns, and decides the best treatment for my illness, he's professional, kind, compassionate, and has great bedside manners.
June 20, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart was really wonderful and professional and very informative explaining all of my diagnosis and whatever symptoms I may have, he was explaining it so I could understand and I really enjoyed that. So it was a really wonderful visit with Dr. Stewart.
June 21, 2024
5
As always Dr Stewart and staff are awesome!!
June 19, 2024
5
Great doctor and he cares. Give you all the time you need
June 19, 2024
5
Dr.Stewart is a wonderful, professional, caring Doctor, thats why all my family drives from Cobb County to continue to see him as our provider .He's excellent Doctor thats truly cares about the well-being of his patients .He's an asset to Wellstar.
June 12, 2024
5
A job well done!
June 7, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is great! He is attentive and runs on time. I do wish there were better parking. Had to pay $9.00 with a $0.99 service fee (so essentially $10) for 45 mins. That is ridiculous. There also needs to be clear signage facing the street. I passed the building multiple times. Front staff is great! Keep it up!
May 31, 2024
5
I love Dr. Stewart and his staff they are always so helpful and kind. I recommend this practice all the time to everyone I know.
May 28, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is excellent at explaining the details of my healthcare and he's also a very good listener. Thank you very much.
May 11, 2024
5
Hello, very good doctor, very well explained and very much helpful, trustworthy.
May 11, 2024
5
The staff were very polite, friendly and professional, the facility was clean and everything in place ..........yes I would recommend this doctor and his staff to my family and friends. While sitting in the office waiting to be checked out another patient started talking with me he told me he had went to two other doctors and was not satisfied but when he met Dr. Stewart he was very satisfied because Dr. Stewart is a real cool doctor.
May 9, 2024
2
Today was a good day for me I got there a little earlier but they took care of me just fine and I really do thank you so much God bless you
June 28, 2024
2
Today was a good day for me I got there a little earlier but they took care of me just fine and I really do thank you so much God bless you
June 28, 2024
5
Great customer service and people care experience!!
September 13, 2024
5
Both Dr. Stewart and the staff are knowledgeable and patient. Always willing to assist whenever I call.
September 12, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart leaves no stones unturned. He does a thorough examination and explains medical concerns thoroughly.
September 6, 2024
5
The staff at Dekalb Ave. is the best. Dr. STEWART IS GREAT.
September 4, 2024
5
They make you feel at home and at ease when you come to the doctor. And I love that about them. They laugh and talk and serious at the same time.
September 1, 2024
5
Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. They did a good job of explaining every thing they were doing and why. Room was clean.
August 29, 2024
5
I felt heard by my Doctor and the staff. The parking and trail entrance could have been better
August 17, 2024
5
The staff is wonderful and welcoming!
August 15, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is a top notch professional who has consistently shown a genuine interest in my health as a patient. His approach to care builds a sense of self empowerment regarding my health. I truly appreciate his commitment to service and willingness to take time in being thorough as a listener and educator.
August 15, 2024
5
The medical staff was very professional and very helpful with my visit. Would recommend this office to anyone who's looking for a good physician and staff.
August 9, 2024
5
Very friendly staff and Dr. Stewart is a great doctor. He's very knowledgeable and addresses all concerns that you have. He also explains everything clearly.
July 26, 2024
5
I had a very pleasant experience! I was educated on certain topics by Dr. Stewart as well as given remedies to help.
July 18, 2024
5
My only concern is that sometimes I can't understand his assistant. Nevertheless, she is nice and will repeat her questions.
July 20, 2024
5
A great team led by Dr. Earl stewart, Jr. Dr. Stewart treats my entire family and his very attentive, thorough and up to date with current protocols.
July 17, 2024
5
All staff members were extremely helpful and very knowledgeable. Great team!
July 5, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is a great doctor who truly cares for about my medical well being. He takes the time to address my concerns and questions. He's very professional and knows how to put this patient at ease. I get stressed over doctors visits. When you enter the office you're immediately greeting and generally you have little to no wait before you're checked in. His clinical staff are professional, courteous and always pleasant. At the end of my appointment each time I always have a peace of mind. I sing his praises to my family and friends and would highly recommend him to any of them with no hesitation.
July 3, 2024
5
I was pleased with the care and professional ism I received. They went above and beyond my expectations and I am so grateful for that.
June 28, 2024
5
I thank God for Dr. Stewart and all of his staff. Everyone takes care of me very well at my appointments. God bless you all. Thank you, again, and take care.
June 28, 2024
5
He very thorough, he listened to my concerns, and decides the best treatment for my illness, he's professional, kind, compassionate, and has great bedside manners.
June 20, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart was really wonderful and professional and very informative explaining all of my diagnosis and whatever symptoms I may have, he was explaining it so I could understand and I really enjoyed that. So it was a really wonderful visit with Dr. Stewart.
June 21, 2024
5
As always Dr Stewart and staff are awesome!!
June 19, 2024
5
Great doctor and he cares. Give you all the time you need
June 19, 2024
5
Dr.Stewart is a wonderful, professional, caring Doctor, thats why all my family drives from Cobb County to continue to see him as our provider .He's excellent Doctor thats truly cares about the well-being of his patients .He's an asset to Wellstar.
June 12, 2024
5
A job well done!
June 7, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is great! He is attentive and runs on time. I do wish there were better parking. Had to pay $9.00 with a $0.99 service fee (so essentially $10) for 45 mins. That is ridiculous. There also needs to be clear signage facing the street. I passed the building multiple times. Front staff is great! Keep it up!
May 31, 2024
5
I love Dr. Stewart and his staff they are always so helpful and kind. I recommend this practice all the time to everyone I know.
May 28, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is excellent at explaining the details of my healthcare and he's also a very good listener. Thank you very much.
May 11, 2024
5
Hello, very good doctor, very well explained and very much helpful, trustworthy.
May 11, 2024
5
The staff were very polite, friendly and professional, the facility was clean and everything in place ..........yes I would recommend this doctor and his staff to my family and friends. While sitting in the office waiting to be checked out another patient started talking with me he told me he had went to two other doctors and was not satisfied but when he met Dr. Stewart he was very satisfied because Dr. Stewart is a real cool doctor.
May 9, 2024
5
Great customer service and people care experience!!
September 13, 2024
5
Both Dr. Stewart and the staff are knowledgeable and patient. Always willing to assist whenever I call.
September 12, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart leaves no stones unturned. He does a thorough examination and explains medical concerns thoroughly.
September 6, 2024
5
The staff at Dekalb Ave. is the best. Dr. STEWART IS GREAT.
September 4, 2024
5
They make you feel at home and at ease when you come to the doctor. And I love that about them. They laugh and talk and serious at the same time.
September 1, 2024
5
Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. They did a good job of explaining every thing they were doing and why. Room was clean.
August 29, 2024
5
I felt heard by my Doctor and the staff. The parking and trail entrance could have been better
August 17, 2024
5
The staff is wonderful and welcoming!
August 15, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is a top notch professional who has consistently shown a genuine interest in my health as a patient. His approach to care builds a sense of self empowerment regarding my health. I truly appreciate his commitment to service and willingness to take time in being thorough as a listener and educator.
August 15, 2024
5
The medical staff was very professional and very helpful with my visit. Would recommend this office to anyone who's looking for a good physician and staff.
August 9, 2024
5
Very friendly staff and Dr. Stewart is a great doctor. He's very knowledgeable and addresses all concerns that you have. He also explains everything clearly.
July 26, 2024
5
My only concern is that sometimes I can't understand his assistant. Nevertheless, she is nice and will repeat her questions.
July 20, 2024
5
I had a very pleasant experience! I was educated on certain topics by Dr. Stewart as well as given remedies to help.
July 18, 2024
5
A great team led by Dr. Earl stewart, Jr. Dr. Stewart treats my entire family and his very attentive, thorough and up to date with current protocols.
July 17, 2024
5
All staff members were extremely helpful and very knowledgeable. Great team!
July 5, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is a great doctor who truly cares for about my medical well being. He takes the time to address my concerns and questions. He's very professional and knows how to put this patient at ease. I get stressed over doctors visits. When you enter the office you're immediately greeting and generally you have little to no wait before you're checked in. His clinical staff are professional, courteous and always pleasant. At the end of my appointment each time I always have a peace of mind. I sing his praises to my family and friends and would highly recommend him to any of them with no hesitation.
July 3, 2024
5
I was pleased with the care and professional ism I received. They went above and beyond my expectations and I am so grateful for that.
June 28, 2024
5
I thank God for Dr. Stewart and all of his staff. Everyone takes care of me very well at my appointments. God bless you all. Thank you, again, and take care.
June 28, 2024
2
Today was a good day for me I got there a little earlier but they took care of me just fine and I really do thank you so much God bless you
June 28, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart was really wonderful and professional and very informative explaining all of my diagnosis and whatever symptoms I may have, he was explaining it so I could understand and I really enjoyed that. So it was a really wonderful visit with Dr. Stewart.
June 21, 2024
5
He very thorough, he listened to my concerns, and decides the best treatment for my illness, he's professional, kind, compassionate, and has great bedside manners.
June 20, 2024
5
As always Dr Stewart and staff are awesome!!
June 19, 2024
5
Great doctor and he cares. Give you all the time you need
June 19, 2024
5
Dr.Stewart is a wonderful, professional, caring Doctor, thats why all my family drives from Cobb County to continue to see him as our provider .He's excellent Doctor thats truly cares about the well-being of his patients .He's an asset to Wellstar.
June 12, 2024
5
A job well done!
June 7, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is great! He is attentive and runs on time. I do wish there were better parking. Had to pay $9.00 with a $0.99 service fee (so essentially $10) for 45 mins. That is ridiculous. There also needs to be clear signage facing the street. I passed the building multiple times. Front staff is great! Keep it up!
May 31, 2024
5
I love Dr. Stewart and his staff they are always so helpful and kind. I recommend this practice all the time to everyone I know.
May 28, 2024
5
Hello, very good doctor, very well explained and very much helpful, trustworthy.
May 11, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is excellent at explaining the details of my healthcare and he's also a very good listener. Thank you very much.
May 11, 2024
5
The staff were very polite, friendly and professional, the facility was clean and everything in place ..........yes I would recommend this doctor and his staff to my family and friends. While sitting in the office waiting to be checked out another patient started talking with me he told me he had went to two other doctors and was not satisfied but when he met Dr. Stewart he was very satisfied because Dr. Stewart is a real cool doctor.
May 9, 2024
5
The staff were very polite, friendly and professional, the facility was clean and everything in place ..........yes I would recommend this doctor and his staff to my family and friends. While sitting in the office waiting to be checked out another patient started talking with me he told me he had went to two other doctors and was not satisfied but when he met Dr. Stewart he was very satisfied because Dr. Stewart is a real cool doctor.
May 9, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is excellent at explaining the details of my healthcare and he's also a very good listener. Thank you very much.
May 11, 2024
5
Hello, very good doctor, very well explained and very much helpful, trustworthy.
May 11, 2024
5
I love Dr. Stewart and his staff they are always so helpful and kind. I recommend this practice all the time to everyone I know.
May 28, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is great! He is attentive and runs on time. I do wish there were better parking. Had to pay $9.00 with a $0.99 service fee (so essentially $10) for 45 mins. That is ridiculous. There also needs to be clear signage facing the street. I passed the building multiple times. Front staff is great! Keep it up!
May 31, 2024
5
A job well done!
June 7, 2024
5
Dr.Stewart is a wonderful, professional, caring Doctor, thats why all my family drives from Cobb County to continue to see him as our provider .He's excellent Doctor thats truly cares about the well-being of his patients .He's an asset to Wellstar.
June 12, 2024
5
Great doctor and he cares. Give you all the time you need
June 19, 2024
5
As always Dr Stewart and staff are awesome!!
June 19, 2024
5
He very thorough, he listened to my concerns, and decides the best treatment for my illness, he's professional, kind, compassionate, and has great bedside manners.
June 20, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart was really wonderful and professional and very informative explaining all of my diagnosis and whatever symptoms I may have, he was explaining it so I could understand and I really enjoyed that. So it was a really wonderful visit with Dr. Stewart.
June 21, 2024
2
Today was a good day for me I got there a little earlier but they took care of me just fine and I really do thank you so much God bless you
June 28, 2024
5
I thank God for Dr. Stewart and all of his staff. Everyone takes care of me very well at my appointments. God bless you all. Thank you, again, and take care.
June 28, 2024
5
I was pleased with the care and professional ism I received. They went above and beyond my expectations and I am so grateful for that.
June 28, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is a great doctor who truly cares for about my medical well being. He takes the time to address my concerns and questions. He's very professional and knows how to put this patient at ease. I get stressed over doctors visits. When you enter the office you're immediately greeting and generally you have little to no wait before you're checked in. His clinical staff are professional, courteous and always pleasant. At the end of my appointment each time I always have a peace of mind. I sing his praises to my family and friends and would highly recommend him to any of them with no hesitation.
July 3, 2024
5
All staff members were extremely helpful and very knowledgeable. Great team!
July 5, 2024
5
A great team led by Dr. Earl stewart, Jr. Dr. Stewart treats my entire family and his very attentive, thorough and up to date with current protocols.
July 17, 2024
5
I had a very pleasant experience! I was educated on certain topics by Dr. Stewart as well as given remedies to help.
July 18, 2024
5
My only concern is that sometimes I can't understand his assistant. Nevertheless, she is nice and will repeat her questions.
July 20, 2024
5
Very friendly staff and Dr. Stewart is a great doctor. He's very knowledgeable and addresses all concerns that you have. He also explains everything clearly.
July 26, 2024
5
The medical staff was very professional and very helpful with my visit. Would recommend this office to anyone who's looking for a good physician and staff.
August 9, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is a top notch professional who has consistently shown a genuine interest in my health as a patient. His approach to care builds a sense of self empowerment regarding my health. I truly appreciate his commitment to service and willingness to take time in being thorough as a listener and educator.
August 15, 2024
5
The staff is wonderful and welcoming!
August 15, 2024
5
I felt heard by my Doctor and the staff. The parking and trail entrance could have been better
August 17, 2024
5
Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. They did a good job of explaining every thing they were doing and why. Room was clean.
August 29, 2024
5
They make you feel at home and at ease when you come to the doctor. And I love that about them. They laugh and talk and serious at the same time.
September 1, 2024
5
The staff at Dekalb Ave. is the best. Dr. STEWART IS GREAT.
September 4, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart leaves no stones unturned. He does a thorough examination and explains medical concerns thoroughly.
September 6, 2024
5
Both Dr. Stewart and the staff are knowledgeable and patient. Always willing to assist whenever I call.
September 12, 2024
5
Great customer service and people care experience!!
September 13, 2024
Publications and Articles
Prostate Cancer Screening in Black Men
Screening for prostate cancer is crucial for early detection and to help provide the best possible outcome. It is especially important for Black men to be vigilant about screening, as they are disproportionately impacted by this cancer.
About 1 in 6 Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 white men, according to a report from the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Black men.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men at an average risk of developing prostate cancer begin screening when they are 50, but Black men should start earlier—at age 45 if they have no family history of prostate cancer, and at age 40 if any of their male relatives have had prostate cancer. Wellstar takes a personalized approach to cancer screenings, with clinicians discussing benefits versus risks of screening and helping patients evaluate their risk.
“Despite many physicians being aware of this and following this practice, Black men continue to be diagnosed with and die from metastatic prostate cancer. This is a trend that desperately needs to be reversed,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Earl Stewart. “We have adequate screening tools that do not even require a digital rectal examination.”
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is more accurate than the digital rectal examination in helping to detect prostate cancer, according to Dr. Stewart. Patients should also discuss family history with their relatives. “Patients knowing their family history is so crucial in having those discussions with primary care physicians to determine the best age at which to start screening,” Dr. Stewart said.
Screening for prostate cancer is as simple as making a preventive appointment with your primary care physician, discussing your family history with him or her, and having a PSA blood test. This test may be performed during an annual physical or wellness visit. Shared decision making between physician and patient is important to discuss your risk, your need for testing and next steps to take if your PSA level is elevated and concerning. Knowing your risk can save your life.
“I know many personally who are near and dear to me who had the disease and who unfortunately died from complications of metastatic prostate cancer,” Dr. Stewart said. “I know many more who lived because they had the conversation and dared to move forward with appropriate screening at the appropriate age.”
