Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Rebeca Franco, MPH, Sharon Guilfoyle, MPH, Sherri Sheinfeld Gorin, PhD, and The New York Physicians against Cancer. Health and Behavior Studies, Columbia University, 954, 525 W 120th Street, Mailbox 239, New York, NY 10027, 212-678-4024, ssg19@columbia.edu

Even though the incidence rates are higher among black than white men, and prostate cancer-related deaths in black men are twice those of white men, black men have been found to be particularly under-served with regard to cancer prevention and screening. The aim of this study is to assess the barriers and supports to prostate cancer (CaP) screening among minority men. Eleven patient focus groups were conducted (N=96) among men recruited from a range of community organizations in low income communities. Seventy one percent of the men in the groups were Black/African American; 66% were in the low income category (<$5,000); 55% had reported taking a PSA test. Very few of the group members recognized the name PSA (or Prostate Specific Antigen) or knew that it was a blood test. Colorectal cancer and colonoscopy were confused with prostate cancer and prostate cancer screening in nearly every group discussion. Overall, there was low awareness of CaP and screening, and some misinformation. They reported their major perceived barriers to prostate cancer screening as; perceived pain (from the internal exam), fear, threat to manhood, dislike of physician visits, and no symptoms. The major reported supports for screening included; reduced worry and prolonged life. These findings suggest the importance of increased patient education using print, video, digital media. Increased discussion of both CaP screening and treatment by the health care provider with the patient is warranted, with clear, simple language appropriate to a lay person, accompanied by low literacy health education materials.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of African American men in a medically underserved urban community toward prostate cancer screening.
• To explore the meaning that is attached to cancer, prostate cancer, and prostate cancer screening in this subgroup.
• To examine components of informed decision making among these men for and against prostate cancer screening.
• To develop intervention models for informed decision making around prostate cancer among urban African American men.
• To describe decision aids for shared decision making with this subgroup.

Keywords: African American, Cancer Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered