Community-based Cancer Initiative on Factors That Affect Testing

Abstract

BACKGROUND: After PSA testing guidelines scaled back use of the exam in 2012 there was a sharper decline in testing for Black men than non-Hispanic White men and has been linked with more late-stage diagnoses (American Cancer Society, 2022). The state of Georgia experiences significant disparities in prostate cancer mortality (50.3/100,000 AA vs 18.4/100,000 for NHW) (Georgia Cancer Data Reports, 2016). Still, Black men are unlikely to seek preventative health care services (Woods et al., 2004). METHODS: In support of the CHANGE (Cancer Health Awareness through screeNing and Education) initiative, anonymous surveys were administered at five Augusta Housing Authority sites inquiring about PSA testing as well as residents’ access to food, transportation, smoke-free environments, and other lifestyle factors. The answers between those who have had PSA testing and have not will be assessed. RESULTS: Among male respondents from the ages 21-80 (n = 24) 91.7% of participants identified as Black, the remaining 8.3% identified as Multiracial. PSA Testers made up 62.5% of participants. Non-PSA testers were less likely to have taken a colonoscopy exam at 22.2% compared to 73.3% for PSA testers. DISCUSSION: Cancer awareness curriculum will be presented to 150 public housing residents focusing on breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Participants will be navigated to cancer screening at the Georgia Cancer Center if eligible and be evaluated for changes in knowledge and attitudes about cancer risks and screening.

Keywords

PSA Testing, Prostate Cancer, Health inequity, Factors affecting testing

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Community-based Cancer Initiative on Factors That Affect Testing

BACKGROUND: After PSA testing guidelines scaled back use of the exam in 2012 there was a sharper decline in testing for Black men than non-Hispanic White men and has been linked with more late-stage diagnoses (American Cancer Society, 2022). The state of Georgia experiences significant disparities in prostate cancer mortality (50.3/100,000 AA vs 18.4/100,000 for NHW) (Georgia Cancer Data Reports, 2016). Still, Black men are unlikely to seek preventative health care services (Woods et al., 2004). METHODS: In support of the CHANGE (Cancer Health Awareness through screeNing and Education) initiative, anonymous surveys were administered at five Augusta Housing Authority sites inquiring about PSA testing as well as residents’ access to food, transportation, smoke-free environments, and other lifestyle factors. The answers between those who have had PSA testing and have not will be assessed. RESULTS: Among male respondents from the ages 21-80 (n = 24) 91.7% of participants identified as Black, the remaining 8.3% identified as Multiracial. PSA Testers made up 62.5% of participants. Non-PSA testers were less likely to have taken a colonoscopy exam at 22.2% compared to 73.3% for PSA testers. DISCUSSION: Cancer awareness curriculum will be presented to 150 public housing residents focusing on breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Participants will be navigated to cancer screening at the Georgia Cancer Center if eligible and be evaluated for changes in knowledge and attitudes about cancer risks and screening.