Abstract C130: Increasing prostate cancer education and screening for black men in southeastern Michigan: Your prostate, your health

Background Black Men (BM) have disproportionately higher mortality rates from prostate cancer (PCa) and present with more advanced disease. Early screening may improve outcomes. The aim of our project was to provide education, screening, and provider outreach in efforts to decrease the disproportionate number of PCa deaths in Black men. Methods We conducted focus group discussions with BM to assess their perceptions and understanding of PCa and screening. Focus groups aided in the development of educational materials. Educational materials were distributed at community events. Attendants were asked to participate in a survey to assess their knowledge, interest, and perceptions of prostate cancer screening and diagnosis. Screening was offered, at select events, using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. Men with PSA levels of ≥4 ng/ml were contacted for follow-up. The project included training for Henry Ford Health (HFH) providers and an assessment of their PCa screening practice. Results We completed 4 focus groups and distributed ~1000 PCa educational brochures. To date, 136 men completed the survey. The least common response (n=33, 21.17%) to signs and symptoms associated with prostate cancer was “Prostate cancer can have no symptoms.” while the most common response (n=108, 66.42%) stated that prostate cancer is associated with “Having a hard time passing urine.” The most common response (n=106, 79.1%) to the perceived barrier to prostate cancer screening was “Lack of education around the importance of screening.” Furthermore, when participants were asked why men do not get prostate cancer screening the most common response (n=119, 79.33%) was “Fear of diagnosis.” The greatest number of survey responses (n=90, 69.77%) stated that “Social Media” is how they learned about prostate cancer screening. The largest number of responses (n=83, 57.24%) for the preferred method of communication regarding getting a prostate cancer screening was, “Text message reminder to schedule an appointment.” We participated in 42 community events between March 2022 to May 2023. 323 men were screened. 27 men had an elevated PSA, and 14 of these men did not complete follow-up. The reasons for the lack of follow-up were inability to re-contact (n=10, 71%), lack of insurance (n=2, 14%), no show to appointment (n=1, 7%), fear (n=1, 7%), and unknown (n=1, 7%). HFH provider educational sessions were conducted. Of 129 providers who completed a screening practice assess