Abstract B053: A multi-method, collaborative approach in evaluating the experiences and identifying equity-related barriers for Black individuals in follow up care for radical prostatectomy and secondary treatment

Abstract Background: Underutilization of health services is a significant contributor to disparities in prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to understand how inequities following prostate cancer surgery or radiation may exacerbate disparities in localized prostate cancer outcomes among Black men by evaluating their post treatment experiences. Methods: We utilized a community-based, quantitative, and qualitative multi-method approach to understand post-treatment factors contributing to prostate cancer disparities following prostate cancer treatment and identified patient-centered solutions to address these factors. 1) We used World Café, a participatory, research methodology, to conduct facilitated listening sessions with Black prostate cancer survivors and community members; with a modified grounded theory framework for analysis. 2) We conducted a survey focused on priorities in research domains of localized, recurrent, and advanced prostate cancer. Respondents rated topics using a 5-point Likert scale and chose which topics were top priority. A descriptive analysis was performed. 3) We conducted semi-structured interviews with Black men treated for prostate cancer to understand how interpersonal factors influence post-treatment surveillance and receipt of adjuvant or salvage therapy. Results: World Café discussions (n=20) identified barriers and facilitators impacting prostate cancer care such as limited support, insufficient knowledge and resources, and challenges in patient-provider communication. Survey (n=1,214) results showed that support for treatment decision-making and quality of life were top priorities. Interviews (n=15) confirmed findings from World Café discussions and surveys emphasizing the need for responsive interventions across domains of: education and information, care coordination, advocacy, empowerment, logistics assistance, financial assistance, and emotional support. Discussion: Black individuals must simultaneously navigate a complex health system having challenges within and outside that system rooted in structural and systemic racism, often leading to delays in seeking care and accessing timely, high-quality treatment. Navigation strategies also emerged as key findings as a priority to improve outcomes. Our findings underscore the critical importance of developing and implementing interventions to support decision making and access to care across the continuum of prostate cancer care that is tailored to the needs of Black individuals. Conclusion: Our work provides insights that Black prostate cancer patients need interventions and research that improves survivorship support in follow up care treatment. Citation Format: Dante Morehead, Jenney Lee, Ben Young, Victor Tolbert, John Masembe, Sarah Holt, Yohali Burrola-Mendez, Sung Min Kim, Liz Sage, Erika Wolff, Jay Mendoza, Ruth Etzioni, John Gore, Yaw Nyame. A multi-method, collaborative approach in evaluating the experiences and identifying equity-related barriers for Black individuals in follow up care for radical prostatectomy and secondary treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B053.