Harnessing Neighborhood Factors to Improve Targeting of Early Detection Programs for Men with Prostate Cancer
Abstract
Scientific Objective and Rationale: Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity among American men, accounting for roughly 1 in 4 new cancer cases and 1 in 10 cancer deaths each year. Black men experience over twice the prostate cancer specific-mortality (PCSM) rate of White men, disparities that have persisted for as long as reliable data have been available. Neighborhood factors such as adverse neighborhood socioeconomic status, segregation, and lower greenspace are associated with increased PCSM and may contribute to disparities. However, few have examined the relationship between neighborhood context and specific barriers to health care access among men with prostate cancer. This knowledge gap will be addressed by examining whether neighborhood factors can improve PCSM risk classification and geographic targeting of interventions to eliminate barriers to accessing prostate-specific antigen testing. This study be conducted using nation-wide, racially diverse cohorts of Black and White men with and at risk of prostate cancer. Applicability of Research: This research will improve our understanding of how neighborhood context influences PCSM and barriers to timely screening. Evidence from these diverse, nationwide data sources may improve the effectiveness of policies to increase access to timely screening in historically racially and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Policymakers at state and local levels can use these findings to identify barriers to screening in their communities and develop appropriate policy responses. Although implementation of recommended policies may take time, evidence from our work can be used immediately to guide planning efforts. Career Goals: My long-term goal is to lead an academic research laboratory that develops strategies for increasing access to effective screening interventions for prostate and other cancers. I hope to inform policies for improving access to timely screening through a deeper understanding of neighborhood factors and barriers faced by vulnerable populations. My proposed research and training plan will equip me with the skills and experience required to achieve my goals. Coursework described in my training plan, including data science methods and applications and health services research with large administrative databases, will provide me with advanced skills in data analysis and oncology care delivery research. Attendance at international conferences in environmental epidemiology and preventive oncology, and seminars at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will allow me to develop deeper understanding of how cancer prevention policies are tested and developed and offer opportunities for networking with peers and potential collaborators. Participating in regular laboratory meetings will offer further chances to practice giving presentations and leading discussions with peers. I have invited leading experts in prostate cancer disparities and early detection, environmental epidemiology, and health services research to serve as mentors on this project and will schedule regular meetings with each of them to ensure I am making adequate progress towards my goals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 28, 2022
- Source ID
- W81XWH2210030
Entities
People
- Charlotte Roscoe
Organizations
- Dana–Farber Cancer Institute
- United States Army