Use of culturally sensitive educational videos may boost knowledge and decrease uncertainty regarding prostate cancer and screening among Black individuals, according to new findings presented by Jones et al at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024 (Abstract LB371/2).
Background
Prostate cancer disproportionately affects Black patients. Compared with White patients, Black patients may be more likely to be diagnosed with and die from the disease and less likely to undergo prostate cancer screening.
Prior research has shown that even when presented with the same educational material, Black patients may be less likely to receive prostate cancer screening than White patients. Researchers have suggested that myths, medical mistrust, and financial barriers may all contribute to this disparity.
“We know that cancer screenings save lives, and part of our work is to dispel the myths and misconceptions around screening to help ensure that [patients] from all backgrounds understand their screening options,” explained senior study author Carmen Guerra, MD, MSCE, FACP, Professor and Vice Chair of Diversity and Inclusion in the Division of Internal Medicine in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania as well as Associate Director of Diversity and Outreach at the Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine. “The idea of a physical prostate exam is off-putting to many [patients], so we want them to know that a simple, noninvasive blood test to check [prostate-specific antigen] levels is also an option to screen for prostate cancer,” she added.
Study Methods and Results
In the new study, researchers developed a culturally sensitive educational video designed specifically for the Black community in Philadelphia and evaluated whether it was effective at addressing prostate cancer screening disparities. The video was shared with a diverse group of more than 600 male patients aged over 40 years at 14 different community health events in the Philadelphia region and was hosted by trusted local organizations—including community, faith-based, and occupational groups. The video featured a conversation between a urologist and a local pastor who was also a Black prostate cancer survivor. It covered provided information on prostate cancer; screening options; and common myths and misconceptions about how symptoms, age, and family history factor into the disease and screening.
Based on post-video surveys, the researchers found that 93% of the patients stated they intended to screen for prostate cancer by undergoing free prostate-specific antigen blood tests—which were offered during the events.
Conclusions
“By helping more men, especially those in at-risk populations, understand the benefits of prostate cancer screening, we hope to find cancer earlier when it can be more easily treated,” emphasized lead study author Mallorie C. Jones, MA, a project manager in Internal Medicine and a member of the Abramson Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement team at Penn Medicine. “The overwhelming positive survey feedback to the video tells us that we’re on the right track to developing a useful resource that resonates with [the] audience it’s meant to reach,” she highlighted.
The researchers plan to further assess the efficacy of the educational video during community outreach events in the greater Philadelphia area in 2024, with plans to optimize the content based on participant feedback and make the information more accessible and relevant to Spanish-speaking patients. They hope to share the final video with other organizations as an educational resource for patients who may be at risk of prostate cancer.
Disclosure: The development of the educational video was supported by a grant from Flyers Charities. For full disclosures of the study authors, visit abstractsonline.com.
