Evaluating the impact of a community-based prostate cancer screening program

One out of eight men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Black men are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from prostate cancer than other males, contributing to significant prostate cancer disparities. Early detection, often by routine screening, allows for more options for treatment and an increased chance of survival. Barriers to screening contribute to prostate cancer disparities, particularly among those who lack regular access to health care. Community based screening programs may overcome barriers to prostate cancer screening. An urban, NCI-designated cancer center collaborated with a national prostate cancer advocacy organization to provide free screening to males in our catchment area at local community organizations. Males who were eligible for prostate screening completed a survey about their personal and family history of prostate cancer. A mobile phlebotomist conducted the screenings, consisting of prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests, onsite at the partner agency. Males received a letter with their PSA test results; males with an abnormal result (> 2.5 ng/mL) also received a phone call. Survey data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses to assess relationships with PSA test results. Two hundred and eighty-nine (n=289) males were screened at a community screening event. The mean age of males screened was 57.3 (SD=11.2) and the majority identified as Black (N=253, 84.9%). The mean PSA test value was 1.82 (SD= 2.70); 18% of males had an abnormal PSA test result. Black males had the highest PSA values of among all men who were screened. Disparities in prostate cancer, particularly among Black males, warrant interventions like community-based prostate screening events that reduce barriers of cost and access, bringing screening to those who would most benefit.