Baltimore, M.D. — December 15, 2025 —In a recent feature published by Cassius Life, Dr. Arthur L. Burnett II, globally recognized urologist and Patrick C. Walsh Professor of Urology at Johns Hopkins Medicine, discussed the critical need for increased participation of Black men in prostate cancer clinical trials to close persistent survival gaps.
Cassius Life is a digital lifestyle and culture platform that produces daily content, commentary, and storytelling with a focus on Black culture, news, sports, entertainment, and social issues. It aims to inform and engage readers with bold, culturally relevant coverage that resonates with a national audience, particularly within the Black community. Cassius Life’s audience is primarily African‑American/Black audiences interested in lifestyle, culture, social justice, health, sports, and entertainment news. Urban One’s digital platforms including Cassius, reach over 40 million unique monthly readers, with combined content generating over 230 million monthly video views across its network.
Black men face a disproportionate burden from prostate cancer, with significantly higher incidence and mortality rates compared with other populations. Yet, despite being most affected by the disease, Black men remain severely underrepresented in clinical trials that inform treatment standards and medical guidelines.
“Clinical trials determine how we diagnose, treat, and manage prostate cancer,” said Dr. Burnett. “When Black men are not adequately represented, we miss vital insights that can improve outcomes and save lives.”
Dr. Burnett emphasized that participation in clinical trials offers patients access to cutting-edge therapies, closer medical monitoring, and the opportunity to contribute to research that may benefit future generations.
Key challenges highlighted in the Cassius Life article include:
- Limited awareness of available clinical trials
- Infrequent invitations from healthcare providers
- Structural barriers such as transportation and access to trial sites
- Historical mistrust of the healthcare system
Dr. Burnett is calling on healthcare systems, researchers, and clinicians to take a more proactive role in improving representation by:
- Actively discussing clinical trial opportunities with Black patients
- Expanding trial access beyond academic medical centers
- Partnering with community organizations and trusted messengers
- Holding institutions accountable for diversity in enrollment
“Equity in research is not optional,” Dr. Burnett added. “It’s essential to advancing science and ensuring Black men receive the most effective, evidence-based care.”
About Dr. Arthur L. “Bud” Burnett II
Arthur L. “Bud” Burnett II, MD, MBA, FACS, is a trailblazing and globally recognized urologist, educator, and researcher at Johns Hopkins University, where he has served for more than 40 years as the Patrick C. Walsh Professor of Urology and Director of the Male Consultation Clinic. Celebrated as the first Black professor of urology at Johns Hopkins and past president of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, Dr. Burnett pioneered research that made Viagra possible, performed thousands of prostate and urologic surgeries, and authored more than 500 peer-reviewed publications and three books — The Manhood Rx, Johns Hopkins Patient’s Guide to Prostate Cancer, and Prostate Cancer Survivors Speak Their Minds. He is also founder of UroMissionsWorks, a nonprofit expanding urologic care worldwide, and a decorated U.S. Army veteran.
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