The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #43824

Susan E. Mazzoni, MPH¹, Deborah Watkins Bruner, PhD¹, and Susan Raysor, BS². (1) Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment Program, Division of Population Science, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 7701 Burholme Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, 215-728-5516, SE_Mazzoni@fccc.edu, (2) Population Studies Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 7701 Burholme Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111

The Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment Program (PRAP) at Fox Chase Cancer Center is an innovative program that offers men at higher than average risk for developing prostate cancer the opportunity to learn about their risk and help them identify ways to reduce that risk. Men at-risk for prostate cancer include men with a family history of prostate cancer and men who are African American, regardless of family history. The PRAP incorporates a thorough education and risk-counseling program with annual prostate cancer screening. Currently there are more than 300 men, half of which are African American, in the Philadelphia area participating in the program. A comprehensive phone survey was developed to evaluate why men did not attend their education and screening appointment. The survey, administered by the PRAP health educator over the phone, was completed with men who did not come in for their initial appointment and did not call to cancel or reschedule. Reasons were grouped into six main categories. The categories were: transportation issues, time issues, insurance issues, screening issues, participation issues and issues surrounding the pre-appointmentquestionnnaires. Any reason not in the established categories was recorded; multiple reasons were also recorded. Data was analyzed by category and by individual reason. Our findings indicate several main reasons why men did not show up for their education and screening appointment. The results from this survey have been an essential part of the ongoing evaluation process of the PRAP, a process that guides us in improving services to our participants.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

• Identify the elements of a cancer risk assessment program,
• Discuss the potential barriers to keeping education and screening program appointments, and
• Describe the importance of evaluation in a public health research program.

Keywords: Cancer Screening, Evaluation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.