African Amercians afflicted with HNSCCA have a strikingly worse survival than whites. One apparent cause is an advanced stage of presentation in African Americans. This study was designed to identify barriers to early treatment among African American men.Methods-Twenty four African American male HNSCCA survivors completed structured interviews. Interviewers elicited the participants' experiences from symptom recognition to receiving definitive care.Results-Most participants presented with advanced stage HNSCCA. Overall, 10% experienced barriers to obtaining early medical care, though 30% were hesitant to seek care due to perceived barriers. Definitive treatment began for 81% within three months of initially seeking care.Conclusion-Once participants sought care, most received definitive treatment within a reasonable timeframe. To explain the advanced stage at presentation, either tumor growth rate was extremely rapid, or, participants sought care when the tumor was quite advanced. The themes suggested by this elicitation study require further validation.

The study evaluates the impact of prostate cancer education on screening rates among African American men in rural Black Belt counties in Alabama. The goal of the study is to promote screening behavior in African American men. The objectives were: 1) to identify enablers and barriers to screening; 2) to develop and test the effectiveness of an education intervention; and 3) to determine the impact of the intervention on prostate cancer screening rates through follow-up survey. The study followed a quasi-experimental three-phase design: 1) focus group, 2) education intervention, and 3) follow-up. Focus groups (N = 76) indicate men are reluctant to talk about their health with anyone. Analysis of pre-test and post-test paired t-test indicate a significant increase in knowledge and awareness of prostate cancer (85%). Follow-up survey results indicate that 48% (N = 105) of the participants who had not been screened within the last 12 months were screened after attending the education session.

Objectives African-Americans consume a diet high in fat, salt and sugar; such dietary habits increase the risks of cancer and other chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to engage rural communities in a nutrition and physical activity behavior modification program to promote cancer awareness and risk reduction. Methods Focus group discussions were conducted to generate information for the development of a nutrition and physical activity program. African Americans (N=62) from two rural counties (Bullock and Macon) in Alabama participated in a year-long intervention program in 2012 and 2013. Weight loss and blood pressure were evaluated to measure the impact of the intervention. Results Themes emerged for the focus group discussions were: nutrition, health, family, environment, and resource access. In Macon County participants lost weight irrespective of the exercise regimen, with those involved in floor exercise losing the most weight (−22.4 lbs, or−11.18 % change), while in Bullock county walking was most effective in weight loss (6.1 lbs or −3.40 % change) p<0.05. Systolic and diastolic pressure decreased from 5.3 to 10.5 mm Hg; −2.0 to −6.4 mmHg, respectively, for Bullock county, except for the walking group,). In Macon County, both systolic and diastolic pressure % change ranged from −8.94 to 12.66 and −5.34 to 12.66 mmHg respectively, irrespective of physical activity respectively. Conclusion In this study, changes in weight lost and blood pressure were observed among individuals engaged in a nutrition education and physical activity program.

Healthy Lifestyle engages the community in the development of a health behavior modification program to reduce cancer risk among African Americans. The objectives are 1) to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that affect cancer risk through focus group discussions; and 2) to identify community members to implement programs and practices that facilitate healthy behavior routines. Thirty-four African American focus group participants completed surveys regarding health knowledge and behavioral practices. Results from the focus groups identified three themes: 1) Health and Nutrition; 2) Environment; and 3) Family. The majority of focus group participants (94%) indicated that annual physical exams were important. However, of that group, 47% had not had a physical within the last 12 months and only 44% had scheduled appointments. Of the 79% who indicated they could commit to a two-year study, only 64% felt they could be leaders.

No abstract