The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45409

Natalie Dewberry-Moore, MS and Yvonne L. Bronner, ScD, RD. Department of Public Health, Morgan State University, 343 Jenkins Hall, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251, 443-885-3238, mescitcher@aol.com

Cancer is the second leading cause of death among all Americans. Data has shown significant disparities related to site-specific cancers and survival rates of African Americans. Cancer data suggests that African American women are more likely to die of breast and colorectal cancer than other women. Additionally, studies have shown that African American men have the highest mortality rates of colorectal and prostate cancer rates. Healthy People 2010 established a goal of reducing the number of new cancer cases as well as the illness, disability, and death caused by cancer.

To achieve this goal researchers must involve members of the community, community leaders and health care professional in the development of strategies and methodologies which will be best suited in the development of a culturally sensitive and relevant community-based cancer screening program.

In the process of developing a community-based cancer-screening program, researchers at MSU conducted an environmental scan of their selected catchment area to identify community assets and liabilities. Through the environmental scan, researchers examined census data, availability of medical services, and neighborhood profiles. Additionally, researchers worked block by block to examine all environmental factors. Focus groups and key informant interviews will be conducted to enable researchers to develop prevention and screening programs, which will involve community members. Information and data collected from focus groups and interviews will be used in developing culturally sensitive and relevant program methodologies for the purpose of reducing the incidence and mortality cancer rates of African Americans residing in Baltimore City, Maryland.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify strategies utilized in conducting African American focus groups across all income levels and key informant interviews.
• Analyze and examine methods used in conducting an effective community environmental scan.

Keywords: African American, Cancer Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.