A Neighborhood-Based Intervention to Reduce Prostate Cancer Disparities
Abstract
The goal of this study is to target communities with high rates of advanced prostate cancer for prostate cancer screening education. Research shows that men who live in low-income neighborhoods are less likely to be screened for prostate cancer and more likely to have aggressive forms of prostate cancer than men who live in more affluent neighborhoods. Given that screening recommendations are conflicting and suggest that additional research is needed on high-risk groups, many men may feel ill-equipped to share in this decision. In this proposed study, researchers will look at information about communities to identify populations at highest risk for advanced prostate cancer and related mortality based upon current health statistics. We will combine this statistical information with perspectives of men who live in high-risk neighborhoods, so that the viewpoints and experiences of community members also inform the educational materials and approaches that we use. This will increase the cultural acceptance and likelihood of success of the intervention. After conducting a series of focus groups, we will develop and test the educational intervention, with aims to decrease anxiety and increase knowledge and informed decision making about prostate cancer screening. During the educational intervention, study participants will learn about potential limitations (e.g., occasional need for repeat biopsies to confirm cancer diagnosis, treatment side effects, possibility of delayed diagnosis) and benefits (e.g., increased likelihood of early detection and treatment, reassurance of low risk) of prostate cancer screening. By targeting high-risk communities, we are likely to impact the population that will benefit the most from prostate cancer screening and targeted educational interventions. Study participants are at-risk men because of where they live and the probability that they also have other risk factors for developing advanced prostate cancer. Educating them about prostate cancer and giving them tools to share in decision making about prostate cancer screening will be beneficial to decreasing advanced prostate cancer in the population. Participants will also benefit from this study because we will provide them with information that will serve as a reminder to engage with a doctor about PCa screening (that is, deciding whether or not to have a PSA [prostate specific antigen] test with/without a digital rectal exam). This information will include the participant s preferences to facilitate shared decision making and will be available by the end of the intervention. A future benefit includes the fact that if low-risk prostate cancer is detected later, the options for patients may increase to include active surveillance as well as more aggressive treatments. The effectiveness of these treatments improves for men who present with low-risk prostate cancer, with lower risk of disease recurrence and prostate-specific death. This study will advance the field of prostate cancer research by illuminating how men from high-risk communities (1) respond to conflicting information regarding recommendations for PSA testing, (2) understand the connection between the residential environment, health and health-related behaviors related to prostate cancer and screening, and (3) specify unique barriers to prostate cancer screening.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 29, 2016
- Source ID
- W81XWH1510693
Entities
People
- Charnita M Zeigler-Johnson
Organizations
- Thomas Jefferson University
- United States Army