Dr Guerra on the Implications of a Study on Prostate Cancer Screening in Diverse Populations

Carmen Guerra, MD, MSCE, FACP, Ruth C. and Raymond G. Perelman Professor of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, vice chair, Diversity and Inclusion, Department of Medicine, associate director, Diversity and Outreach, Abramson Cancer Center, discusses the implications of research into the rates of prostate cancer screening in a population of diverse men, highlighting initiatives taking place to address disparities in patients with prostate cancer.

, investigators presented findings from an investigation of prostate cancer screening rates following patients’ viewing of a culturally sensitive video and completion of a questionnaire on intention to screen. Patients (n = 619) completed pre- and post-video questionnaires on prostate cancer knowledge,and the video was found to significantly improve knowledge in 5 of 10 items and reduce decisional conflict regarding prostate cancer screening. Notably, 93% of patients intended to undergo prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, and 98% of patients found the video useful.

Guerra begins by stating that when provided with the same prostate cancer information, Black men were less likely than White men to pursue testing. Recognizing this gap, investigators identified a critical need for a video specifically designed to address the concerns of the Black community, she explains. The video aimed to equip men with accurate information and connect them with opportunities for free screenings in the Philadelphia area, Guerra explains.

Investigators are now looking to extend this initiative to other diverse populations, particularly the Latino and Hispanic communities, according to Guerra. Although the current video is accessible to English-speaking Hispanic men, a Spanish version is essential to reach those who primarily speak Spanish, she continues. Influential figures within these communities are being considered to help adapt the video, and investigators’ first step will be translating it into Spanish, Guerra adds.

This effort is part of Abramson Cancer Center’s broader mission to decentralize clinical trials and cancer screenings, she says. By offering mobile mammography, mobile PSA screenings, and at-home colon cancer tests, investigators are striving to make cancer screening more accessible, she concludes.

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Carmen Guerra, MD, MSCE, FACP, discusses the implications of research into the rates of prostate cancer screening in a population of diverse men.

Dr Guerra on a Culturally Tailored Approach to Prostate Cancer Screening Awareness

Carmen Guerra, MD, MSCE, FACP, Ruth C. and Raymond G. Perelman Professor of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, vice chair, Diversity and Inclusion, Department of Medicine, associate director, Diversity and Outreach, Abramson Cancer Center, discusses initiatives to address disparities and raise awareness for prostate cancer screening, particularly among Black men.

At the 2024 AACR Annual Meeting, Guerra and colleagues presented findings from a survey conducted among men who viewed a culturally sensitive educational video that was developed and tested within the Philadelphia community. The video highlighted ways in which prostate cancer disproportionately affects Black men, who often encounter delayed diagnoses and higher mortality rates compared to White men, Guerra says. noting that Black men are historically less likely to undergo screenings due to various factors such as myths, medical mistrust, and financial barriers.

The study, conducted between April and December 2023, involved 619 men at least 40 years of age who provided consent and completed questionnaires before and after watching the educational video. The video, featuring a conversation between a urologist and a well-known local pastor who is a prostate cancer survivor, addressed prostate cancer facts, provided screening information, and debunked myths regarding the disease.

Guerra notes that participants completed pre-questionnaires, including socio-demographic items, a pre–10-item Prostate Cancer Knowledge Scale, and a 10-item Decisional Conflict Scale. After watching the video, they responded to a question on intention to undergo screening, a 10-item video satisfaction measure, and post-questionnaires including the same knowledge and decisional conflict scales.

When comparing answers from the questionnaires completed before and after watching the video, data showed that knowledge of prostate cancer improved and decision conflict decreased. Furthermore, 93% of individuals surveyed after watching the video said they would undergo prostate cancer screening. Additionally, the vast majority of responders said the video was helpful in making a decision regarding screening, Guerra concludes.

Carmen Guerra MD, MSCE, examines how a culturally sensitive could help raise prostate cancer screening awareness.

Carmen Guerra, MD, MSCE, FACP

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Dr Guerra on the Implications of a Study on Prostate Cancer Screening in Diverse Populations

Dr Guerra on a Culturally Tailored Approach to Prostate Cancer Screening Awareness