Impact of Male Role Norms on Young African-American Men's Attitudes toward Colorectal Cancer and Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cancer to kill African-American men in the nation. Compared to White men, African-American men have incidence and mortality rates 20% and 45% higher, respectively, from CRC. Over the past three decades, research has confirmed that masculinity, or prevalent male role norms, is dangerous to the health of African-American men who die more often of CRC than their White counterparts. Complex and dynamic, male role norms can shape African-American men’s attitudes regarding their health, behaviors, and the attributes they should ideally embrace, based on sociocultural norms. Studies have confirmed that men who embrace traditional male role norms are more likely to engage in risky health practices and avoid health-positive behaviors. Yet, among young men of color, research that specifically examines whether male role norms are associated with attitudes related to CRC and colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) is sorely lacking. Accordingly, the purpose of the study was to explore whether male role norms impact African-American men's attitudes toward CRC and CRCS employing survey research methodology. When controlling for several covariates, male role norms had no association with attitudes toward CRC and CRCS. Specifically, 41% of the sample of 157 young adult African-American men (ages 19-45) did not endorse male role norms as portrayed in the survey items. Despite the lack of endorsement of traditional male norms, we did find the sample held more negative attitudes toward CRC and CRCS, rather than positive. Findings from this study did not provide a clear-cut picture, but they provide clues for future program development and suggest the need for researchers to further explore the relationships between cultural notions of masculinity and men’s health, among African Americans.