Black Men’s Prostate Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Access to Health Information

Disparities in prostate cancer incidence and mortality among Black men exist in Suffolk County, New York, indicating a need to provide effective educational interventions about prostate cancer screening for this population. We conducted a mixed-methods study exploring Black men’s knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about prostate cancer, and how they access health information. Three semi-structured virtual focus groups were conducted by Black male physicians with 18 Black men aged 40 years and over living in Suffolk County, New York. All were recorded, transcribed, and coded to identify key themes. Participants also completed surveys assessing prostate cancer knowledge and information preferences. Quantitative and qualitative results were analyzed using SPSS and NVivo software. Recruitment required extensive outreach. Even among relatively well-educated participants, more prostate cancer knowledge was needed, and 11% had not obtained screening because they were not aware they needed it. Family history prompted prostate cancer concerns, and fear of dying from prostate cancer motivated screening. Health information from reputable website sources was preferred, with social media drawing attention to educational opportunities and education portraying individuals to whom Black men could relate. Participants expressed desire for further engagement between their community, the academic hospital, and physicians. Our results indicated that despite being relatively knowledgeable about prostate cancer, Black men desire stronger ties and trust between their community and health care providers to facilitate screening. These data may assist health care professionals in designing practical educational tools and tailored programs about prostate cancer screening among Black men who are at increased risk of disease.