Cheryl Holt, PhD, School of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1717 11th Avenue South, Suite 641, Birmingham, AL 35205, (205) 934-2816, cholt@uab.edu and Theresa Ann Wynn, PhD, UAB School of Medicine -Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 11th Avenue South, Room 118, Birmingham, AL 35205.

The church plays an integral role in African American culture, and religiosity has been shown to be positively associated with health-related behaviors and outcomes. Previous studies have examined associations between religiosity and breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and screening among African American women. However, little has been done in this area with regard to African American men. This study examined the association between religiosity and prostate and breast cancer attitudes, beliefs, and participation in screening among African American men and women, respectively. African American men and women were surveyed on these variables by telephone. Based on previous research, it was hypothesized that there would be positive associations between religiosity and these cancer-related attitudes and beliefs, and modest associations with screening. Implications for church-based cancer communication interventions are discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Articulate the association between religiosity and breast cancer beliefs, attitudes, and screening among African American women.
• Articulate the association between religiosity and prostate cancer beliefs, attitudes, and screening among African American men.
• Discuss implications of the results of this study for the development of church-based cancer communication interventions for African Americans.

Keywords: Religion, Cancer Screening

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.