Preliminary findings in a multi-ethnic population comparison of views about participating in cancer treatment and prevention trials

This Nevada-based study design had a two-part methodology that addressed the Nevada Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan to increase the number and diversity of clinical trial participants in Nevada. We assessed Nevadans' current views toward cancer and cancer trials and the influences that affect decisions about seeking cancer treatment or cancer prevention as part of a cancer trial through both: 1) focus group research, and 2) a population-based survey.

We assessed multi-ethnic views by holding community-based focus groups (FGs) with four Las Vegas ethnic groups: African-, Asian-, Hispanic-, and Native Americans. One FG was held with non-Hispanic Whites. We found in our FGs some ethnic/racial variation on issues about trust in the research process, randomization in trials, and beliefs that trials are available to only those who have no alternatives. We also found both similar and unique beliefs about cancer and the cancer trials process both within and between each of the focus groups. FG findings informed our randomized survey for substantive questions asked.

We found in the survey data that there is a need for educational programs in both served and underserved populations, and that the educational program efforts about cancer and the cancer trials process are sensitive to group cultural beliefs. The programs need to address the cultural beliefs of unique ethnic groups so that knowledge of cancer and the cancer trials process is accepted and more fully understood.