PROSTATE CANCER RISK FACTORS, CARE UTILIZATION AND POLICY OPTIONS. FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS FROM AN ENGAGEMENT WITH AN AFRICAN AMERICAN URBAN COMMUNITY.

This paper presents the findings of a focus group organized in collaboration with the African American urban community of GeorgeTown in Jackson Mississippi. The goal of the study is to identify and understand knowledge of prostate cancer risk factors and symptoms, utilization of existing prevention resources; and health education strategies. In addition, the study seeks to identify health education strategies and policy preferences that could be used in health promotion program development and policy advocacy framing. Findings of gaps in knowledge; low levels of service utilization; and the role of technology in limiting access to health information in the African American community are consistent with findings in other prostate cancer studies. However, some refreshing information regarding utilization, as well as health education and policy emerges from this study. he study painted a three dimensional profile of people who utilize prostate cancer screening services in the community. These are survivors who are enrolled in a prevention group, and have access to a supportive provider environment. here were also surprising reservations about the church as an outlet for prostate cancer health promotion because of discomfort with the topic in churches. Concrete prostate cancer related public policy options are proposed by participants including progressive policy options such as mandatory screening and referral regardless of financial qualification; free screening in emergency rooms; and conservative policy remedies such as tax breaks for facilities which provide free screening. Besides the clarity in policy advocacy themes, the findings provide specific information that could shape prevention programs and intervention research in the GeorgeTown community of Jackson Mississippi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]