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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
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Problems
Weight Loss
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.8
4.8
Based on 347 patient ratings
Listened to me carefully
4.89
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
4.85
Shared the right amount of information
4.82
Earned my trust
4.73
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
Yeah. I found the place. They really, you know, good atmosphere for a doctor's office and the doctor had a great bedside manner and answered all my questions simply.
April 6, 2024
5
Great staff! Made me feel very comfortable and took great care of me.
March 30, 2024
5
It was a pleasant experience came in very nervous left with a smile
March 29, 2024
5
My experience was excellent. Quite a beautiful experience from beginning to end. It was so nice meeting Dr. Stewart and his staff. Everybody was very kind and genuine. Dr. Stewart has a great bedside manner and was very knowledgeable and informative with what would be best and what steps we would take to jumpstart my health in a great direction. My thanks to Dr. Stewart and to his staff. God bless you and your family and loved ones????? Very happy to be a new patient of Dr. Stewart.
March 28, 2024
5
Staff and Doctor is amazing
March 27, 2024
5
Dr Stewart and his entire staff are top notch. My experience is always pleasant and easy. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone.
March 23, 2024
5
Amazing! Dr. Stewart is highly competent and has a wonderful bedside manner. He made me feel heard and took time to explain my clinical condition and goals for treatment. He took the time to help me find more affordable treatment options as well. He also took the time to assess my overall well-being including mental and social/emotional health. I felt I received compassionate and quality care.
March 15, 2024
5
Love the staff from the time I walked in there was so nice and welcoming, I was very impressed with their hospitality and their attitude towards me and the Nurse was very kind and friendly, thank you. The Doctor was really helpful and very knowledgable about my condition, I will definitely be keeping this location.
March 14, 2024
5
The front desk staff and nursing assistants are always kind and friendly. The office is clean and comfortable as well.
March 14, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is always great and provide education about whatever it is that is an issue. Calling in and speaking with the receptionist to make an appointment was simple and fast.
March 1, 2024
5
It was long and lots of waiting. I'm not sure what else was going on but I did appreciate the time that Dr. Stewart took with me once he did get to the room.
March 2, 2024
5
The staff was very professional and helpful, the office was nice clean.
February 29, 2024
5
I love the fact that Dr Stewart is attentive and doesn't rush through the visits . And touch on all my concerns
March 1, 2024
5
Dr Earl Stewart Jr and his staff are very professional and had great customer service. I always look forward to seeing Dr Stewart, who is so attentive and knowledgeable to my needs. Dr Steward is a great doctor.
February 23, 2024
5
The entire staff was caring and professional.
February 11, 2024
5
The staff treated me with dignity and respect
February 9, 2024
5
My appointment was quick! Love it!
February 8, 2024
5
Great service, great staff and a great location.
February 7, 2024
5
Great provider
February 2, 2024
5
Huge fan of Dr Stewart! He has great manners and is extremely detailed in his explanations of medical conditions, treatments, and medications. Sad to see that he moved from Symrna to Dekalb. I don't like paying to park to see my Doctor.
January 27, 2024
5
Dr.Stewart and his staff are great very professional.
January 26, 2024
5
Excelent service
January 26, 2024
5
Wonderful Experience And Visit!
January 26, 2024
5
I have been a patient of Dr. Stewart for a year or so now and I always have a great experience. He and his team take good care of me.
January 27, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart, and his nurse, was listening to everything I had to say. They were very attentive and I felt like that they were very concerned with everything that I was saying and they listened to me carefully and I did recommend my daughter to him and I would recommend anybody to Dr. Stewart. I have just left one of my ... had to leave one of my ... my old doctor left the practice and I had to find another doctor and I'm so glad that Dr. Stewart took over taking me as a patient and I'm more than pleased with Dr. Stewart and I'm glad that he is my doctor.
January 21, 2024
5
My experience was excellent all staff was great.
January 19, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart thoroughly reviewed my chart prior to meeting me and kept me informed of the most up to date preventative health guidelines. Additionally, the staff was warm and welcoming and the phlebotomist was excellent. All in all I had a great experience at this practice.
January 19, 2024
5
Fantastic staff and experience
January 15, 2024
5
They were very family-oriented and make you feel welcome and comfortable and talk to you about what matters the most. And I like that. And that's one of the reasons why I came back to Dr. Stewart. He really listened to me, understood where I was coming from, and I recommend to anybody from the nice people the whole crew.
January 15, 2024
5
Doctor was extremely thorough and answered any questions that I had. He also informed me on things that I didn't know about why my test might've come back negative. I was very appreciative of the information. The nurse tech who preformed my Covid test was also friendly and took her time with my test. Very pleased. Everyone in the office was nice.
January 12, 2024
5
Yeah. I found the place. They really, you know, good atmosphere for a doctor's office and the doctor had a great bedside manner and answered all my questions simply.
April 6, 2024
5
Great staff! Made me feel very comfortable and took great care of me.
March 30, 2024
5
It was a pleasant experience came in very nervous left with a smile
March 29, 2024
5
My experience was excellent. Quite a beautiful experience from beginning to end. It was so nice meeting Dr. Stewart and his staff. Everybody was very kind and genuine. Dr. Stewart has a great bedside manner and was very knowledgeable and informative with what would be best and what steps we would take to jumpstart my health in a great direction. My thanks to Dr. Stewart and to his staff. God bless you and your family and loved ones????? Very happy to be a new patient of Dr. Stewart.
March 28, 2024
5
Staff and Doctor is amazing
March 27, 2024
5
Dr Stewart and his entire staff are top notch. My experience is always pleasant and easy. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone.
March 23, 2024
5
Amazing! Dr. Stewart is highly competent and has a wonderful bedside manner. He made me feel heard and took time to explain my clinical condition and goals for treatment. He took the time to help me find more affordable treatment options as well. He also took the time to assess my overall well-being including mental and social/emotional health. I felt I received compassionate and quality care.
March 15, 2024
5
Love the staff from the time I walked in there was so nice and welcoming, I was very impressed with their hospitality and their attitude towards me and the Nurse was very kind and friendly, thank you. The Doctor was really helpful and very knowledgable about my condition, I will definitely be keeping this location.
March 14, 2024
5
The front desk staff and nursing assistants are always kind and friendly. The office is clean and comfortable as well.
March 14, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is always great and provide education about whatever it is that is an issue. Calling in and speaking with the receptionist to make an appointment was simple and fast.
March 1, 2024
5
It was long and lots of waiting. I'm not sure what else was going on but I did appreciate the time that Dr. Stewart took with me once he did get to the room.
March 2, 2024
5
The staff was very professional and helpful, the office was nice clean.
February 29, 2024
5
I love the fact that Dr Stewart is attentive and doesn't rush through the visits . And touch on all my concerns
March 1, 2024
5
Dr Earl Stewart Jr and his staff are very professional and had great customer service. I always look forward to seeing Dr Stewart, who is so attentive and knowledgeable to my needs. Dr Steward is a great doctor.
February 23, 2024
5
The entire staff was caring and professional.
February 11, 2024
5
The staff treated me with dignity and respect
February 9, 2024
5
My appointment was quick! Love it!
February 8, 2024
5
Great service, great staff and a great location.
February 7, 2024
5
Great provider
February 2, 2024
5
Huge fan of Dr Stewart! He has great manners and is extremely detailed in his explanations of medical conditions, treatments, and medications. Sad to see that he moved from Symrna to Dekalb. I don't like paying to park to see my Doctor.
January 27, 2024
5
Dr.Stewart and his staff are great very professional.
January 26, 2024
5
Excelent service
January 26, 2024
5
Wonderful Experience And Visit!
January 26, 2024
5
I have been a patient of Dr. Stewart for a year or so now and I always have a great experience. He and his team take good care of me.
January 27, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart, and his nurse, was listening to everything I had to say. They were very attentive and I felt like that they were very concerned with everything that I was saying and they listened to me carefully and I did recommend my daughter to him and I would recommend anybody to Dr. Stewart. I have just left one of my ... had to leave one of my ... my old doctor left the practice and I had to find another doctor and I'm so glad that Dr. Stewart took over taking me as a patient and I'm more than pleased with Dr. Stewart and I'm glad that he is my doctor.
January 21, 2024
5
My experience was excellent all staff was great.
January 19, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart thoroughly reviewed my chart prior to meeting me and kept me informed of the most up to date preventative health guidelines. Additionally, the staff was warm and welcoming and the phlebotomist was excellent. All in all I had a great experience at this practice.
January 19, 2024
5
Fantastic staff and experience
January 15, 2024
5
They were very family-oriented and make you feel welcome and comfortable and talk to you about what matters the most. And I like that. And that's one of the reasons why I came back to Dr. Stewart. He really listened to me, understood where I was coming from, and I recommend to anybody from the nice people the whole crew.
January 15, 2024
5
Doctor was extremely thorough and answered any questions that I had. He also informed me on things that I didn't know about why my test might've come back negative. I was very appreciative of the information. The nurse tech who preformed my Covid test was also friendly and took her time with my test. Very pleased. Everyone in the office was nice.
January 12, 2024
5
Yeah. I found the place. They really, you know, good atmosphere for a doctor's office and the doctor had a great bedside manner and answered all my questions simply.
April 6, 2024
5
Great staff! Made me feel very comfortable and took great care of me.
March 30, 2024
5
It was a pleasant experience came in very nervous left with a smile
March 29, 2024
5
My experience was excellent. Quite a beautiful experience from beginning to end. It was so nice meeting Dr. Stewart and his staff. Everybody was very kind and genuine. Dr. Stewart has a great bedside manner and was very knowledgeable and informative with what would be best and what steps we would take to jumpstart my health in a great direction. My thanks to Dr. Stewart and to his staff. God bless you and your family and loved ones????? Very happy to be a new patient of Dr. Stewart.
March 28, 2024
5
Staff and Doctor is amazing
March 27, 2024
5
Dr Stewart and his entire staff are top notch. My experience is always pleasant and easy. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone.
March 23, 2024
5
Amazing! Dr. Stewart is highly competent and has a wonderful bedside manner. He made me feel heard and took time to explain my clinical condition and goals for treatment. He took the time to help me find more affordable treatment options as well. He also took the time to assess my overall well-being including mental and social/emotional health. I felt I received compassionate and quality care.
March 15, 2024
5
Love the staff from the time I walked in there was so nice and welcoming, I was very impressed with their hospitality and their attitude towards me and the Nurse was very kind and friendly, thank you. The Doctor was really helpful and very knowledgable about my condition, I will definitely be keeping this location.
March 14, 2024
5
The front desk staff and nursing assistants are always kind and friendly. The office is clean and comfortable as well.
March 14, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is always great and provide education about whatever it is that is an issue. Calling in and speaking with the receptionist to make an appointment was simple and fast.
March 1, 2024
5
It was long and lots of waiting. I'm not sure what else was going on but I did appreciate the time that Dr. Stewart took with me once he did get to the room.
March 2, 2024
5
The staff was very professional and helpful, the office was nice clean.
February 29, 2024
5
I love the fact that Dr Stewart is attentive and doesn't rush through the visits . And touch on all my concerns
March 1, 2024
5
Dr Earl Stewart Jr and his staff are very professional and had great customer service. I always look forward to seeing Dr Stewart, who is so attentive and knowledgeable to my needs. Dr Steward is a great doctor.
February 23, 2024
5
The entire staff was caring and professional.
February 11, 2024
5
The staff treated me with dignity and respect
February 9, 2024
5
My appointment was quick! Love it!
February 8, 2024
5
Great service, great staff and a great location.
February 7, 2024
5
Great provider
February 2, 2024
5
Huge fan of Dr Stewart! He has great manners and is extremely detailed in his explanations of medical conditions, treatments, and medications. Sad to see that he moved from Symrna to Dekalb. I don't like paying to park to see my Doctor.
January 27, 2024
5
Dr.Stewart and his staff are great very professional.
January 26, 2024
5
Excelent service
January 26, 2024
5
Wonderful Experience And Visit!
January 26, 2024
5
I have been a patient of Dr. Stewart for a year or so now and I always have a great experience. He and his team take good care of me.
January 27, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart, and his nurse, was listening to everything I had to say. They were very attentive and I felt like that they were very concerned with everything that I was saying and they listened to me carefully and I did recommend my daughter to him and I would recommend anybody to Dr. Stewart. I have just left one of my ... had to leave one of my ... my old doctor left the practice and I had to find another doctor and I'm so glad that Dr. Stewart took over taking me as a patient and I'm more than pleased with Dr. Stewart and I'm glad that he is my doctor.
January 21, 2024
5
My experience was excellent all staff was great.
January 19, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart thoroughly reviewed my chart prior to meeting me and kept me informed of the most up to date preventative health guidelines. Additionally, the staff was warm and welcoming and the phlebotomist was excellent. All in all I had a great experience at this practice.
January 19, 2024
5
Fantastic staff and experience
January 15, 2024
5
They were very family-oriented and make you feel welcome and comfortable and talk to you about what matters the most. And I like that. And that's one of the reasons why I came back to Dr. Stewart. He really listened to me, understood where I was coming from, and I recommend to anybody from the nice people the whole crew.
January 15, 2024
5
Doctor was extremely thorough and answered any questions that I had. He also informed me on things that I didn't know about why my test might've come back negative. I was very appreciative of the information. The nurse tech who preformed my Covid test was also friendly and took her time with my test. Very pleased. Everyone in the office was nice.
January 12, 2024
5
Yeah. I found the place. They really, you know, good atmosphere for a doctor's office and the doctor had a great bedside manner and answered all my questions simply.
April 6, 2024
5
Great staff! Made me feel very comfortable and took great care of me.
March 30, 2024
5
It was a pleasant experience came in very nervous left with a smile
March 29, 2024
5
My experience was excellent. Quite a beautiful experience from beginning to end. It was so nice meeting Dr. Stewart and his staff. Everybody was very kind and genuine. Dr. Stewart has a great bedside manner and was very knowledgeable and informative with what would be best and what steps we would take to jumpstart my health in a great direction. My thanks to Dr. Stewart and to his staff. God bless you and your family and loved ones????? Very happy to be a new patient of Dr. Stewart.
March 28, 2024
5
Staff and Doctor is amazing
March 27, 2024
5
Dr Stewart and his entire staff are top notch. My experience is always pleasant and easy. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone.
March 23, 2024
5
Amazing! Dr. Stewart is highly competent and has a wonderful bedside manner. He made me feel heard and took time to explain my clinical condition and goals for treatment. He took the time to help me find more affordable treatment options as well. He also took the time to assess my overall well-being including mental and social/emotional health. I felt I received compassionate and quality care.
March 15, 2024
5
Love the staff from the time I walked in there was so nice and welcoming, I was very impressed with their hospitality and their attitude towards me and the Nurse was very kind and friendly, thank you. The Doctor was really helpful and very knowledgable about my condition, I will definitely be keeping this location.
March 14, 2024
5
The front desk staff and nursing assistants are always kind and friendly. The office is clean and comfortable as well.
March 14, 2024
5
It was long and lots of waiting. I'm not sure what else was going on but I did appreciate the time that Dr. Stewart took with me once he did get to the room.
March 2, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is always great and provide education about whatever it is that is an issue. Calling in and speaking with the receptionist to make an appointment was simple and fast.
March 1, 2024
5
I love the fact that Dr Stewart is attentive and doesn't rush through the visits . And touch on all my concerns
March 1, 2024
5
The staff was very professional and helpful, the office was nice clean.
February 29, 2024
5
Dr Earl Stewart Jr and his staff are very professional and had great customer service. I always look forward to seeing Dr Stewart, who is so attentive and knowledgeable to my needs. Dr Steward is a great doctor.
February 23, 2024
5
The entire staff was caring and professional.
February 11, 2024
5
The staff treated me with dignity and respect
February 9, 2024
5
My appointment was quick! Love it!
February 8, 2024
5
Great service, great staff and a great location.
February 7, 2024
5
Great provider
February 2, 2024
5
Huge fan of Dr Stewart! He has great manners and is extremely detailed in his explanations of medical conditions, treatments, and medications. Sad to see that he moved from Symrna to Dekalb. I don't like paying to park to see my Doctor.
January 27, 2024
5
I have been a patient of Dr. Stewart for a year or so now and I always have a great experience. He and his team take good care of me.
January 27, 2024
5
Dr.Stewart and his staff are great very professional.
January 26, 2024
5
Excelent service
January 26, 2024
5
Wonderful Experience And Visit!
January 26, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart, and his nurse, was listening to everything I had to say. They were very attentive and I felt like that they were very concerned with everything that I was saying and they listened to me carefully and I did recommend my daughter to him and I would recommend anybody to Dr. Stewart. I have just left one of my ... had to leave one of my ... my old doctor left the practice and I had to find another doctor and I'm so glad that Dr. Stewart took over taking me as a patient and I'm more than pleased with Dr. Stewart and I'm glad that he is my doctor.
January 21, 2024
5
My experience was excellent all staff was great.
January 19, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart thoroughly reviewed my chart prior to meeting me and kept me informed of the most up to date preventative health guidelines. Additionally, the staff was warm and welcoming and the phlebotomist was excellent. All in all I had a great experience at this practice.
January 19, 2024
5
Fantastic staff and experience
January 15, 2024
5
They were very family-oriented and make you feel welcome and comfortable and talk to you about what matters the most. And I like that. And that's one of the reasons why I came back to Dr. Stewart. He really listened to me, understood where I was coming from, and I recommend to anybody from the nice people the whole crew.
January 15, 2024
5
Doctor was extremely thorough and answered any questions that I had. He also informed me on things that I didn't know about why my test might've come back negative. I was very appreciative of the information. The nurse tech who preformed my Covid test was also friendly and took her time with my test. Very pleased. Everyone in the office was nice.
January 12, 2024
5
Doctor was extremely thorough and answered any questions that I had. He also informed me on things that I didn't know about why my test might've come back negative. I was very appreciative of the information. The nurse tech who preformed my Covid test was also friendly and took her time with my test. Very pleased. Everyone in the office was nice.
January 12, 2024
5
They were very family-oriented and make you feel welcome and comfortable and talk to you about what matters the most. And I like that. And that's one of the reasons why I came back to Dr. Stewart. He really listened to me, understood where I was coming from, and I recommend to anybody from the nice people the whole crew.
January 15, 2024
5
Fantastic staff and experience
January 15, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart thoroughly reviewed my chart prior to meeting me and kept me informed of the most up to date preventative health guidelines. Additionally, the staff was warm and welcoming and the phlebotomist was excellent. All in all I had a great experience at this practice.
January 19, 2024
5
My experience was excellent all staff was great.
January 19, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart, and his nurse, was listening to everything I had to say. They were very attentive and I felt like that they were very concerned with everything that I was saying and they listened to me carefully and I did recommend my daughter to him and I would recommend anybody to Dr. Stewart. I have just left one of my ... had to leave one of my ... my old doctor left the practice and I had to find another doctor and I'm so glad that Dr. Stewart took over taking me as a patient and I'm more than pleased with Dr. Stewart and I'm glad that he is my doctor.
January 21, 2024
5
Wonderful Experience And Visit!
January 26, 2024
5
Excelent service
January 26, 2024
5
Dr.Stewart and his staff are great very professional.
January 26, 2024
5
I have been a patient of Dr. Stewart for a year or so now and I always have a great experience. He and his team take good care of me.
January 27, 2024
5
Huge fan of Dr Stewart! He has great manners and is extremely detailed in his explanations of medical conditions, treatments, and medications. Sad to see that he moved from Symrna to Dekalb. I don't like paying to park to see my Doctor.
January 27, 2024
5
Great provider
February 2, 2024
5
Great service, great staff and a great location.
February 7, 2024
5
My appointment was quick! Love it!
February 8, 2024
5
The staff treated me with dignity and respect
February 9, 2024
5
The entire staff was caring and professional.
February 11, 2024
5
Dr Earl Stewart Jr and his staff are very professional and had great customer service. I always look forward to seeing Dr Stewart, who is so attentive and knowledgeable to my needs. Dr Steward is a great doctor.
February 23, 2024
5
The staff was very professional and helpful, the office was nice clean.
February 29, 2024
5
I love the fact that Dr Stewart is attentive and doesn't rush through the visits . And touch on all my concerns
March 1, 2024
5
Dr. Stewart is always great and provide education about whatever it is that is an issue. Calling in and speaking with the receptionist to make an appointment was simple and fast.
March 1, 2024
5
It was long and lots of waiting. I'm not sure what else was going on but I did appreciate the time that Dr. Stewart took with me once he did get to the room.
March 2, 2024
5
The front desk staff and nursing assistants are always kind and friendly. The office is clean and comfortable as well.
March 14, 2024
5
Love the staff from the time I walked in there was so nice and welcoming, I was very impressed with their hospitality and their attitude towards me and the Nurse was very kind and friendly, thank you. The Doctor was really helpful and very knowledgable about my condition, I will definitely be keeping this location.
March 14, 2024
5
Amazing! Dr. Stewart is highly competent and has a wonderful bedside manner. He made me feel heard and took time to explain my clinical condition and goals for treatment. He took the time to help me find more affordable treatment options as well. He also took the time to assess my overall well-being including mental and social/emotional health. I felt I received compassionate and quality care.
March 15, 2024
5
Dr Stewart and his entire staff are top notch. My experience is always pleasant and easy. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone.
March 23, 2024
5
Staff and Doctor is amazing
March 27, 2024
5
My experience was excellent. Quite a beautiful experience from beginning to end. It was so nice meeting Dr. Stewart and his staff. Everybody was very kind and genuine. Dr. Stewart has a great bedside manner and was very knowledgeable and informative with what would be best and what steps we would take to jumpstart my health in a great direction. My thanks to Dr. Stewart and to his staff. God bless you and your family and loved ones????? Very happy to be a new patient of Dr. Stewart.
March 28, 2024
5
It was a pleasant experience came in very nervous left with a smile
March 29, 2024
5
Great staff! Made me feel very comfortable and took great care of me.
March 30, 2024
5
Yeah. I found the place. They really, you know, good atmosphere for a doctor's office and the doctor had a great bedside manner and answered all my questions simply.
April 6, 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 providers 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.”