Abstract A041: Prostate cancer survivorship and advocacy in ethnically diverse Black men: Findings from a town hall event

Abstract

Introduction: Although prostate cancer (CaP) mortality rates are low, higher morbidity rates have been reported in Black men. In addition, the transition from treatment to survivorship can be burdensome and negatively impact quality of life (QoL). However, informal and formal support networks and resources, particularly spousal support, help enhance the sense of self and patient’s activities of daily living. Community, family involvement, and interaction with other survivors have also been found to be beneficial to survivors during diagnosis and treatment. Thus, we convened a town hall event for CaP survivors and those who care for and love them to explore the multidimensional impact of CaP and better understand the clinical and psychosocial needs of ethnically diverse Black CaP survivors. Methods: The virtual inaugural town hall meeting, organized by the University of Oklahoma (OU) Health and Stephenson Cancer Center, was held on April 28, 2022. The panelists included ethnically diverse CaP survivors, a radiation oncologist and urologist, and the spouse of a survivor. The town hall also served as a means to provide informational resources to attendees. A post-town hall survey was made available to all attendees to evaluate the town hall session and collect clinical and sociodemographic variables. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v27. The event was audio recorded, and the transcript was content-analyzed to identify emergent themes. Results: Twenty-one out of the 43 attendees completed the survey (response rate of 49%). The respondents were aged 31-74 years old (mean±SD, 58±13), mostly males (67%), married (68%), CaP survivors (52%), and college graduates (43%). More than 80% rated the town hall to be very good/excellent and educational in light of varied approaches, perspectives, stories, and experiences shared by all the panelists. Participants appreciated updated information conveyed on anatomy, screening, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, stages of CaP, treatment, and short-term and long-term side effects shared by the oncologist. Results highlighted the physical and psychosocial impacts and stresses of CaP diagnosis on a family as a unit, especially intergenerational communication of perceived susceptibility and risk. Panelists also highlighted the burden of CaP survivorship on relationships, especially with their partners/spouses with impending functional distress. Results also underscored the positive influence CaP survivors can have on other survivors via peer advocacy and support. Finally, giving more time to panelists, extending the Q&A session, including other caregivers as panelists, and having more town hall events were top recommendations offered by participants. Conclusion: The town hall format allowed panelists, especially CaP survivors, to freely express their experiences with CaP. Overall, more awareness was raised about the importance of CaP prevention, treatment decision-making, survivorship, and advocacy: invaluable discussions needed to engage this hard-to-reach population regarding CaP prevention and care. Citation Format: Motolani E. Ogunsanya, Ernie Kaninjing, Maleeha Shahid, Darla Kendzor, Kathleen Dwyer, Mary Ellen Young, Folakemi T. Odedina. Prostate cancer survivorship and advocacy in ethnically diverse Black men: Findings from a town hall event [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A041.