Strengthening the Evidence for Ethnic Disparities (SEED) Across the Continuum of Prostate Cancer Care
Abstract
More African American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and die from prostate cancer than men of other ethnicities. These differences are driven by complex interactions between cancer biology, living environment, and a patient’s use of health care services. Studies have shown that there are distinct differences in the biology of prostate cancer among African American men compared with men of other ethnicities. Studies have also shown that African American men demonstrate differences in treatment choice and outcomes that are often augmented by lower incomes, lower education levels, variable marital status, and underinsured insurance status. We have developed a conceptual model to better understand how these factors all relate to each other. From this model, we have identified three understudied areas in which prostate cancer patients interact with the healthcare system. The primary goal of this study is to identify new areas of intervention to address disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. We have chosen three specific areas from our model to study. First, we would like to understand how the use of prostate biopsy (the diagnostic test for prostate cancer) varies between African American men and white men. We are concerned that African American men may have the same frequency of PSA tests as white men, but have lower rates of referral for a biopsy that could diagnose a cancer. Second, we want to understand how the quality of care received for the treatment of localized prostate cancer varies by race or ethnicity. If African American men are less likely to see more experienced doctors or doctors at accredited cancer centers, they may be experiencing a worse quality of prostate cancer care. Third, we want to understand what treatments men receive when they develop metastatic prostate cancer and how that may differ by ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Because these newer, more effective treatments are expensive, African American men with less access to experienced prostate cancer doctors may be less likely to try these newer therapies. Dr. Yaw Nyame, the Principal Investigator for this award, is completing fellowship training in urologic oncology. He has demonstrated a keen interest in prostate cancer and health disparities, having completed numerous studies in disparities through his medical school education and residency in urology. This award will help him to grow an independent research practice in health disparities under the mentorship of Drs. Ruth Etzioni and John Gore, two internationally renowned researchers in population sciences and prostate cancer. Drs. Etzioni and Gore have devised a structured mentorship and education plan for Dr. Nyame’s development as a surgeon-scientist that uses all of the many available resources at the University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Pacific Northwest Prostate Cancer SPORE. The work from this award will be an important foundation for Dr. Nyame as he aims to start his career as a junior academic urologic oncologist and health services researcher in 2020.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 19, 2019
- Source ID
- W81XWH1910577
Entities
People
- Yaw Nyame
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Washington