African American women’s decisions to participate in cancer clinical trials is not well understood. Although studies have generally shown that some combination of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions affects the ultimate decision, the specific determinants at each point in the decision making process have not been examined. For example, little if any information exists about the vast majority of persons who are initially contacted about participation in cancer screening or prevention trials but never respond to the request. This study provides information to better understand older, African American women’s decisions regarding whether or not to participate in a clinical trial at each point in the recruitment process. Data will be presented for approximately 300 older, African American women who were recruited to the ongoing Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial and were either not interested in the trial, had some interest but never followed up, or, were interested and joined the trial. Factors that influence the decisions of these women regarding whether or not to participate are identified. Participation in clinical trials by African Americans is very low. In order for clinical trials to be both successful and beneficial for all segments of the American population, they need to include adequate numbers of African Americans. This will ensure the generalizability of trial results to a population which is in urgent need of improving its health outcomes. This study has also identified possible intervention strategies to increase the participation of older, African American women in cancer screening clinical trials.
Learning Objectives: 1) Identify the major factors that influce the decisions of some African American women to participate in the ongoing PLCO cancer screening trial when they are recruited; 2) Identify the major factors that influence the decisions of some African American women to not participate in the PLCO cancer screening trial when recruited; and 3) Discuss how study findings could be used to alter existing clinical trial recruitment strategies
Keywords: Cancer Screening, Minority Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.