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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Willie Underwood, MD, MS, MPH¹, Heather Orom, PhD¹, Kelly Brittain, RN, MSN¹, and Terrance Albrecht, PhD². (1) Karmanos Cancer Institute, Hudson Webber Cancer Research Center, 4100 John R Street, Detroit, MI 48201, 313-576-8259, underwoo@karmanos.org, (2) Karmanos Cancer Institute, Family Medicine/WSU School of Medicine, 534 Hudson Webber Cancer Research Center, 4100 John R Street, Detroit, MI 48201

Prostate cancer has serious implications for many of our communities; however, disparities will continue until we empower the communities with information not only on the etiology of the disease but effective options. Detroit's incidence of and mortality from prostate cancer exceeds that of the U.S. However through information technology (IT) and dissemination, a Community Network Cooperative Agreement (CNCA) is identifying strategies for partnerships with all facets of the community and empowering them with information on prostate cancer to mobilize them to make a difference. In the U.S., prostate cancer accounts for 33% of all newly diagnosed cancers and the leading cause of non-skin cancers in men. Blacks are 1.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer and are twice as likely to die from it as are whites. Blacks are also diagnosed at a younger age, tend to have a higher grade and stage of disease at diagnosis and are less likely to receive definitive therapy. The possible implications of IT combined with a CNCA in eliminating racial disparities in early detection, treatment, and survivorship of prostate cancer are endless. In early detection, IT can serve to identify and monitor high risk patients and educate the public regarding their risks. Regarding treatment decision making, decision aids can be used to assist the patient and provider in determining the best treatment option. During survivorship, IT can be use to coordinate follow up testing, connect survivors together and keep providers up to date regarding issues related to survivors and their families.

Learning Objectives: This presentation will address the following objectives

• Describe the disparities in prostate cancer
• Describe initiatives in Metropolitan Detroit, MI eliminate disparities in prostate cancer
• Describe the role of information technology in reducing prostate cancer disparities in Metropolitan Detroit

Keywords: Cancer, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation