Exploring the Vision of an Equitable Prostate Cancer Care Delivery System: Perspectives of Black Men in Charleston, South Carolina

Prostate cancer presents a pressing public health challenge in the United States and disproportionately affects Black men. Despite efforts to address these disparities, equitable access to timely diagnosis and optimal treatment remains elusive for many Black men. Using focus group discussions, the r...

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Main Authors: Sherrie Flynt Wallington, Kris Bennett, Marvella E. Ford, Lee Moultrie, Melanie Slan, Reginald D. Tucker-Seeley
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2025-06-01
Series:American Journal of Men's Health
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883251336798
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author Sherrie Flynt Wallington
Kris Bennett
Marvella E. Ford
Lee Moultrie
Melanie Slan
Reginald D. Tucker-Seeley
author_facet Sherrie Flynt Wallington
Kris Bennett
Marvella E. Ford
Lee Moultrie
Melanie Slan
Reginald D. Tucker-Seeley
author_sort Sherrie Flynt Wallington
collection DOAJ
description Prostate cancer presents a pressing public health challenge in the United States and disproportionately affects Black men. Despite efforts to address these disparities, equitable access to timely diagnosis and optimal treatment remains elusive for many Black men. Using focus group discussions, the researchers aimed to understand what constitutes equitable cancer care and identify tools needed by Black men for equitable navigation of prostate cancer care. Through a community-engaged qualitative design, 29 Black males aged 40 to 75 participated in virtual and in-person focus groups in August 2023. Data analysis employed NVivo qualitative software and an inductive thematic approach. Three overarching themes emerged: general prostate knowledge, barriers and experiences, and preferred communication channels. Participants discussed their understanding of prostate cancer, barriers to screening, experiences with healthcare delivery, and trusted information sources. Findings revealed nuanced differences between groups but emphasized the importance of clear communication, respect, and community support in cancer care. The researchers’ future recommendations include developing educational programs, addressing systemic barriers, providing early education on prostate cancer risk, implementing training for providers, creating support groups, and revisiting national guidelines for Black men. The study provides valuable insights into the experiences and needs of Black men when accessing equitable prostate cancer care that are essential for addressing disparities in cancer outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-9088224d38604b62838f53e374fa53072025-08-20T02:35:31ZengSAGE PublishingAmerican Journal of Men's Health1557-98912025-06-011910.1177/15579883251336798Exploring the Vision of an Equitable Prostate Cancer Care Delivery System: Perspectives of Black Men in Charleston, South CarolinaSherrie Flynt Wallington0Kris Bennett1Marvella E. Ford2Lee Moultrie3Melanie Slan4Reginald D. Tucker-Seeley5School of Nursing, George Washington University; and Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, D.C., USAMOVEMBER, Santa Monica, CA, USAMedical University of South Carolina, Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC, USAChoose to Live for Men, LLC, Charleston, SC, USAMedical University of South Carolina, Hollings Cancer Center, Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, Charleston, SC, USAHealth Equity Strategies and Solutions, Los Angeles, CA, USAProstate cancer presents a pressing public health challenge in the United States and disproportionately affects Black men. Despite efforts to address these disparities, equitable access to timely diagnosis and optimal treatment remains elusive for many Black men. Using focus group discussions, the researchers aimed to understand what constitutes equitable cancer care and identify tools needed by Black men for equitable navigation of prostate cancer care. Through a community-engaged qualitative design, 29 Black males aged 40 to 75 participated in virtual and in-person focus groups in August 2023. Data analysis employed NVivo qualitative software and an inductive thematic approach. Three overarching themes emerged: general prostate knowledge, barriers and experiences, and preferred communication channels. Participants discussed their understanding of prostate cancer, barriers to screening, experiences with healthcare delivery, and trusted information sources. Findings revealed nuanced differences between groups but emphasized the importance of clear communication, respect, and community support in cancer care. The researchers’ future recommendations include developing educational programs, addressing systemic barriers, providing early education on prostate cancer risk, implementing training for providers, creating support groups, and revisiting national guidelines for Black men. The study provides valuable insights into the experiences and needs of Black men when accessing equitable prostate cancer care that are essential for addressing disparities in cancer outcomes.https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883251336798
spellingShingle Sherrie Flynt Wallington
Kris Bennett
Marvella E. Ford
Lee Moultrie
Melanie Slan
Reginald D. Tucker-Seeley
Exploring the Vision of an Equitable Prostate Cancer Care Delivery System: Perspectives of Black Men in Charleston, South Carolina
American Journal of Men's Health
title Exploring the Vision of an Equitable Prostate Cancer Care Delivery System: Perspectives of Black Men in Charleston, South Carolina
title_full Exploring the Vision of an Equitable Prostate Cancer Care Delivery System: Perspectives of Black Men in Charleston, South Carolina
title_fullStr Exploring the Vision of an Equitable Prostate Cancer Care Delivery System: Perspectives of Black Men in Charleston, South Carolina
title_full_unstemmed Exploring the Vision of an Equitable Prostate Cancer Care Delivery System: Perspectives of Black Men in Charleston, South Carolina
title_short Exploring the Vision of an Equitable Prostate Cancer Care Delivery System: Perspectives of Black Men in Charleston, South Carolina
title_sort exploring the vision of an equitable prostate cancer care delivery system perspectives of black men in charleston south carolina
url https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883251336798
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