Back to Authors

Fathi, Parisa

https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4533-4625

Mayo Clinic

University of Central Florida

Citations 22

Conducting Clinical Research in Low Research Resource Countries: Lessons Learned From the International Registry of Men With Advanced Prostate Cancer Study in Nigeria
Bolajoko, Opeyemi , Fathi, Parisa , Fulwood, Dottington D., Toye, Oluwaseyi, Popoola, Ademola , Dogo, Hassan, Nggada, Haruna Asura , Ogo, Chidiebere, Faruk, Mohammed , Abiodun, Lateef, Sowunmi, Anthonia , Oladoyinbo, Catherine, Fulwood, Dottington, Nggada, Haruna , Fatiregun, Omolara , Mohammed, Faruk , Sowunmi, Anthonia , Odedina, Folakemi , Popoola, Ademola A , Bolajoko, Opeyemi , Toye, Oluwaseyi, Fatiregun, Omolara

JCO Global Oncology | January 16, 2025 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: 11 | Pages: No page available

10.1200/go-24-00475 Get It

PURPOSE There is limited cancer clinical research in sub-Saharan African countries despite the significant burden of cancers. The primary objective of this strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis was to understand and document factors affecting the successful implementation of prostate cancer (CaP) clinical research in Nigeria. METHODS The research team used a qualitative design involving International Registry of Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer (IRONMAN) study team members as participants from four regional sites in Nigeria. One-hour listening sessions were conducted via Zoom at each site, focusing on SWOT related to the IRONMAN study. All sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Themes were inductively coded and then synthesized across all four sites. RESULTS The study teams identified several strengths and weaknesses in conducting the IRONMAN study at their respective sites. Key strengths included access to robust patient population for recruitment and the availability of essential resources, such as lab space, clinical knowledge, and adequate staffing. Weaknesses centered on the social determinants of health that hinder patient participation, such as transportation challenges, distance to clinics, limited access to care, and insufficient biorepository space for sample storage. A prominent opportunity identified was the potential for Nigerian institutions to engage in more clinical research, particularly multisite global trials. Threats included difficulties in retaining research staff and political instability. CONCLUSION This study highlights the promising research opportunities in Nigeria. The lessons learned from the IRONMAN study provide valuable insights into the feasibility of conducting CaP clinical research and trials tailored to the needs of Black men in sub-Saharan Africa. These findings offer a roadmap for future research efforts, with the potential to expand clinical trials and improve health outcomes across the region.
Abstract 1013: Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of conducting clinical trials in Nigeria: The IRONMAN study
Bolajoko, Opeyemi , Toye, Oluwaseyi, Fulwood, Dottington D., Ogo, Chidiebere, Dogo, Hassan, Sowumi, Anthonia, Jibrin, Paul, Jimoh, Mutiu , Odedina, Folakemi T., Fathi, Parisa , Toye, Oluwaseyi, Popoola, Ademola , Fatiregun, Omolara , Faruk, Mohammed

Cancer Research | March 22, 2024 | Volume: 84 | Issue: 6_Supplement | Pages: 1013-1013

10.1158/1538-7445.am2024-1013 Get It

Abstract Background: The need to increase understanding of prostate cancer (CaP) is ever increasing. Unfortunately, there is limited understanding of how CaP affects men of African ancestry (MAA) despite significant disparities in CaP prevention, diagnosis, and treatment due to genetic and sociobehavioral factors. Conducting CaP clinical trials (CTs) in Africa presents multiple opportunities to improve upon collective knowledge of CaP in MAA experiences, expand patient access to CTs, and provide opportunities for African scientists and urologists to contribute to research on the global stage. The International Registry of Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer (IRONMAN) seeks to reduce CaP disparities by sponsoring sites throughout Africa. Four Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC) institutions in Nigeria currently participate in IRONMAN: University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Center, University of Maiduguri, and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Because CTs of this scale are infrequently conducted in Africa, there are special considerations when conducting CTs in low-middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nigeria. Methods: Hourlong interviews dedicated to site staff were conducted via Zoom in Spring 2023 (four total). Interviews utilized a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis approach. Each interview was recorded, transcribed, and validated by study staff for accuracy. Themes from each were inductively coded and then collated across all four sites. Results: The urologists, oncologists, phlebotomists, pathologists, nurses, research coordinators that make up the study teams identified the holistics of conducting the IRONMAN study at their sites. Strengths included a large patient population to recruit from and appropriate resources to conduct the study (ex., lab space, clinical knowledge, staffing levels). Weaknesses included the social determinants of health that negatively impact patient participation, limited biorepository space to store samples, and the need for patient-physician trust. The greatest opportunity presented was Nigerian institutions joining more CTs in the future, particularly multi-site global trials. Described threats included staff turnover, national stability, and increased economic disparities. Discussion: While increasing the overall number of CTs in Africa is a noble cause, sponsors and institutions should note the unique circumstances in implementing CTs in Africa when designing CTs and recruiting sites. Listening to the experiences of study teams is pivotal in ensuring CTs are Africa-minded - they will be complimentary to established research infrastructure, appropriately funded, and culturally responsive all in the name of equitable research. By doing so, ethical compliance and quality data collection will ensue and reduce disparities at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Citation Format: Opeyemi Oreoluwa Bolajoko, Parisa Fathi, Oluwaseyi Toye, Dottington D. Fulwood, Ademola Popoola, Chidiebere Ogo, Hassan Dogo, Omolara Fatiregun, Anthonia Sowumi, Paul Jibrin, Mutiu A. Jimoh, Faruk Mohammed, Folakemi Odedina, Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of conducting clinical trials in Nigeria: The IRONMAN study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1013.
Abstract B055: Association between dietary patterns and occurrence of prostate cancer among Nigerian men: The CaPTC Familial Cohort Study
Bolajoko, Opeyemi , Oladoyinbo, Catherine, Lee, Daniel J. , Toye, Oluwaseyi, Fathi, Parisa , Bassey, Iya Eze , Jibrin, Paul, Ogo, Chidebere, Omonisi, Abidemi , Adeniji, Adebanji, Showunmi, Anthonia, Salako, Ayo, Nggada, Haruna Asura , Kaninjing, Ernie, Odedina, Folakemi T., Toye, Oluwaseyi, Turesky, Robert J. , Popoola, Ademola , Rotimi, Solomon O. , Fatiregun, Omolara , Faruk, Mohammed , Okoye, Ifeoma Joy

Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention | December 1, 2023 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 12_Supplement | Pages: B055-B055

10.1158/1538-7755.disp23-b055 Get It

Abstract Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) in men is, to date, the number one cause of death from cancer worldwide. PCa has been associated with a large number of lifestyle factors, including unhealthy dietary habits. In particular, diet and nutrition have been shown to play pivotal roles in PCa, and the habitual consumption of certain specific foods like meat cooked at very high temperatures has been implicated. However, this has not been documented among Black men. The aim of this study was to determine the association between dietary patterns and their association with the occurrence of prostate cancer. Method: This is a longitudinal multisite Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC) familial cohort phase 2 study. Participants were Nigerian Black men between 35 and 70 years old who were willing to participate in the study over a 10-year period. For the food variety score, a score of 1 was given for each food item eaten weekly, and the aggregate food variety score was totaled and categorized as ≥54% very good, 45%–53% was good, 36%–44% fair, 18%–35% poor and <18% was very poor. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as frequency analyses. Chi-square analysis was used to evaluate dichotomous variables to compare groups based on demographic factors and the occurrence of PCa. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the specific predictors of the diagnosis of PCa with potential adjustment for the other demographic variables. P-values < 0.05 was set as significant. Results: A total of 780 participants were recruited, with 72.6% reporting no history of cancer. The median age was 47.00 (range: 21-97),16.5% have been diagnosed with Pca, and 1.5% were diagnosed with other Cancers. Age of cancer diagnosis showed that 21% were diagnosed at about 50 years. Participants’ fruit consumption showed that 28.4%, 29%, 39.5%, 23%, 31%, 28.7%, and 39.2, ate apples, mango, citrus, papaya, green banana, tomatoes, and watermelon, weekly, respectively. Fish was the most consumed protein source of animal origin irrespective of the cooking methods categories, such as boiling, frying, grilling, and smoking. The median food variety score was 20 (0-67), with 8.5%, 3.8%,49.3%, and 26.8% classified as good, very good, poor, and very poor, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the category of food variety score (P=0.0009), age (P<0.0001), and grilled fish consumption (P=0.0333) were found to be associated with Pca occurrence. Conclusions: The study showed that food variety score, age, and fish consumption were the correlates of prostate cancer occurrence in the population studied. Citation Format: Opeyemi O. Bolajoko, Catherine A. Oladoyinbo, Daniel Lee, Oluwaseyi Toye, Parisa Fathi, Robert Turesky, Ademola Popoola, Iya Bassey, Solomon Rotimi, Paul Jibrin, Chidebere Ogo, Abidemi Omonisi, Adebanji Adeniji, Anthonia Showunmi, Omolara Fatiregun, Ayo Salako, Haruna Nggada, Faruk Mohammed, Ifeoma Okoye, Ernie Kaninjing, Folakemi Odedina. Association between dietary patterns and occurrence of prostate cancer among Nigerian men: The CaPTC Familial Cohort Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B055.
Abstract C013: Importance of statistical considerations in multi-center, transatlantic cancer disparity studies: Lessons learned from the CaPTC prostate cancer familial cohort study
Investigators, CaPTC, Crook, Jennifer , Enuka, Ruth, Fathi, Parisa , Iweala, Emeka Iweala, Kukoyi, Oluwole, Toye, Oluwaseyi, Jibrin, Paul, Lee, Daniel , Kaninjing, Ernest , Toye, Oluwaseyi

Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention | December 1, 2023 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 12_Supplement | Pages: C013-C013

10.1158/1538-7755.disp23-c013 Get It

Abstract The CaPTC prostate cancer (CaP) Familial Cohort study (CaPFCS) was launched in 2017 to explore the CaP risk factors of African Black men (ABM). The study design is a prospective study that observes and follows healthy ABM and ABM diagnosed with CaP. Aim: The specific aim is to provide recommendations on statistical considerations for cohort studies focused on cancer disparities, based on lessons learned from the CaPTC CaPFCS. Methodology: Study participants were ABM in Cameroon, Nigeria, and the US. Using validated measures, data were collected mostly by self-administered or research assistant administered survey using paper survey (especially in Cameroon and Nigeria) with the responses transferred to REDCap by research coordinators. The statistical analysis for the CaPTC CaPFCS focused on the baseline epidemiological, behavioral, clinical and anthropometric measures of Black men. A total of 819 participants were included in the analyses. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics (sample median, range, frequency and percentages) and unadjusted logistic regression models. Results: Data collection for the CaPTC CaPFCS were by multiple investigators/research coordinators at multiple sites in Cameroon, Nigeria, and the US. In preparation for the data analyses, we noted data entry errors and/or misinterpretation of data entry, which required extensive cleaning of the database prior to the analyses. The biostatisticians spent significant effort cleaning and ensuring data validity prior to the analyses. Confounding variables is another statistical consideration for cohort studies, such as the CaPTC CaPFCS. There was variability observed across age, education levels, employment status, household income and CaP diagnosis based on country of residence. CaP diagnosis was not reported by any of the ABM in the US, which may be due to the fact that they were all recruited within the community and no recruitment took place in the clinic. Finally, the CaPTC CaPFCS has several variables. Performing a lot of statistical tests may result in false-positive findings at P<0.05.Conclusion: The advantage of the CaPFCS is that it allows the CaPTC investigators to study epidemiological, behavioral, clinical and anthropometric variables associated with CaP over time. Being a longitudinal cohort study, investigators can track the changes in exposure and outcomes over time.However, statistical considerations need to be at the fore-front of multi-center, transatlantic cancer disparity studies such as the CaPTC CaPFCS, from data collection to data entry. The use of web-based survey with the ability to enter data directly into REDCaP will significantly reduce (if not totally eliminate) the need for database cleaning. There are multiple strategies that can be used to reduce confounder effect, including statistical adjustment and multivariate analysis to adjust for the confounders. The use of propensity score methods have especially been found to be effective in controlling baseline confounding factors. Citation Format: Daniel Lee, CaPTC Investigators, Jennifer Crook, Ruth Enuka, Fathi Parisa, Emeka Iweala Iweala, Oluwole Kukoyi, Ernest Kaninjing, Oluwaseyi Toye, Paul Jibrin, Folakemi Odedina. Importance of statistical considerations in multi-center, transatlantic cancer disparity studies: Lessons learned from the CaPTC prostate cancer familial cohort study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C013.
Abstract A135: Addressing cancer health disparities through global oncology initiatives at a comprehensive cancer center
Fathi, Parisa , Salinas, Manisha , Albertie, Monica

Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention | December 1, 2023 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 12_Supplement | Pages: A135-A135

10.1158/1538-7755.disp23-a135 Get It

Abstract Background: The Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center (MCCCC) is uniquely positioned to address cancer health disparities globally through the Community Outreach & Engagement (COE) Office and Program’s resources and partnerships in the areas of cancer research, education, and training. The goal of the COE Global Oncology Initiatives (GOI) is to lessen the cancer burden on patients globally by building global capacity through research, education, and training in MCCC impact regions. While MCCCC continues to build institutional relationships worldwide through the GOI, it has specifically increased research collaborations in Africa over the past 5 years. The purpose of this study is to synthesize and report the global oncology reach through scholarly output of collaborative efforts in ongoing research activities with partnering African countries. By analyzing and documenting research outputs within this area, we aim to better understand research priorities and needs, increase inclusivity of African populations, and improve potential avenues for impactful studies in global alliance networks. Methods: Publications were found by using key search terms and by using the map feature on Mayo Clinic’s Elsevier-hosted publication database to locate partner institutions throughout Africa. Only publications in the past 5 years, which included an African researcher as an author, and are relevant to cancer research were included. Duplicate publications were removed from the final dataset. Results: There are 86 unique MCCCC members collaborating with 11 different African countries (Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe). A total of 50 unique publications have been published, with an African country being represented 72 times. The majority of MCCCC global oncology work is with researchers in Sub-Saharan nations (n=43). Egypt, however, has the largest single country representation (n=22), followed by South Africa (n=14) and Nigeria (n=13). 164 unique African researchers across 133 different institutions have worked with MCCCC members. Prostate and liver cancer were the most represented cancers at 6 instances, respectively. Discussion: Overall, 86 MCCCC members are involved in global research that address cancer health disparities through equal partnership with African researchers, which has resulted in multiple research output. Some of the publications were led by global consortia or cohort studies. These collaborations have been mutually beneficial for MCCCC members and African investigators, elevating cancer research in Africa. This includes increased research scholarship, extramural funding for cancer research in Africa, opening of more clinical trials across the continent, and increase in cancer biomedical workforce. Global research, especially one that is inclusive of the African populations, will foster the understanding of the genetic architecture of cancer, and help shape cancer care and control for Africans and people of African ancestry. Citation Format: Parisa Fathi, Manisha Salinas, Monica Albertie, Folakemi Odedina. Addressing cancer health disparities through global oncology initiatives at a comprehensive cancer center [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A135.
Abstract A052: Perspectives of African immigrants on community health needs and clinical trials
Turner, Jocelyn C., Husband, Laureen, Otero, Jessica, Bolajoko, Opeyemi , Fathi, Parisa , Crook, Jennifer , Odedina, Folakemi T., Turner, Jocelyn

Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention | December 1, 2023 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 12_Supplement | Pages: A052-A052

10.1158/1538-7755.disp23-a052 Get It

Abstract INTRODUCTION In the past decade, Jacksonville, Florida has seen an increase in African immigrants. However, little is known about their health needs and perspectives related to community health and clinical trials. The Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center (MCCCC) Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) Office and Programs partnered with multiple community-based organizations as part of the FL Community Engagement Alliance Against COVID-19 to hold a series of focus groups with African immigrants to better understand their perspectives surroudning these determinants. METHODS This was a qualitative study with African immigrants residing in Jacksonville, Florida. Data was collected by community partner, Jocelyn Turner Consulting, who has led multiple community-based studies in Florida. Recruitment was in partnership with African businesses and churches. Using a guide developed by MCCCC COE, three focus groups were held to explore African immigrants’ 1) general experiences, 2) access to social services, 3) perspective of community health and diseases, 4) access and use of healthcare services, 5) knowledge and participation in clinical trials, and 6) appropriate strategies for providing community education and enhancing participation in research studies. RESULTS 24 participants participated in the focus groups. 83% had recently immigrated from Africa (Democratic of the Congo, Benin, Ghana, Sudan, Mali, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Nigeria). The remaining 17% recently immigrated from Haiti or came to the US as a baby. Participants reported suprise to the proliferation of chronic diseases, such as increased cancer diagnoses of those who immigrated to the United States. Most participants associated this with the Western sedentary lifestyle, dietary habits, and lack of access to fresh food. Participants connected to refugee organizations reported knowledge of the ability to access health education resources and mental/physical care services, but those not connected with similar organizations expressed limited knowledge about access. Similarly, participants with no connection to refugee organizations reported not knowing where to access healthcare services and not seeking services until home remedies had failed. Only 33% of participants reported knowledge of clinical trials and all reported mistrust of research. Many of the participants expressed a need for health-related information upon arrival in the United States. CONCLUSION There is currently little infrastructure in place to support African immigrants in Jacksonville, Florida, which can contribute to cancer health disparities in this population. Strong community engagement is needed to partner with African immigrant communities to address culturally specific needs identified of this underrepresented population. The needs expressed by participants include information on physical activity, nutrition, and healthcare/clinical trials. A strong partnership with African immigrant communities has the potential to address cancer disparities and increase both trust and participation in clinical trials. Citation Format: Jocelyn Turner, Laureen Husband, Jessica Otero, Opeyemi Bolajoko, Parisa Fathi, Jennifer Crook, Folakemi Odedina. Perspectives of African immigrants on community health needs and clinical trials [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A052.
Abstract 1213: Impact of pesticide exposure in West African Black men within the United States, Cameroon, and Nigeria
Asto-Flores, Emelina , Ademola, Popoola, Jibrin, Paul, Sowumi, Anthonia, Nkegoum, Blaise , Oladoyinbo, Catherine, Salako, Abdulkadir Ayo, Omonisi, Abidemi , Bassey, Iya Eze , Adeniji, Kayode , Asura, Nggada Haruna, Kukoyi, Oluwole, Enuka, Ruth, Toye, Oluwaseyi, Crook, Jennifer , Investigators, CaPTC, Iweala, Emeka Eze Joshua , Faruk, Mohammed , Fatiregun, Omolara , Okoye, Ifeoma Joy , Kaninjing, Ernest , Fathi, Parisa , Enuka, Ruth, Toye, Oluwaseyi

Cancer Research | June 9, 2023 | Volume: 83 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 1213-1213

10.1158/1538-7445.am2023-1213 Get It

Abstract Prostate cancer (CaP) significantly affects black men causing highermortality rates especially within African and Caribbean countries. The Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC) is a 10 year longitudinal study aimed at studying environmental, epidemiological and prostate cancer associated risk factors within black men of West African descent living in the United States (US), Cameroon, and Nigeria. Methods: Men ages 35- 70 years old, who identified as a US Black male or West African Black male immigrant in the US, were recruited from community-based organizations. Community- based organizations include local churches, health fairs and socialorganizations. Anthropometric, environmental, and epidemiological variables measures were collected via survey questions. Saliva samples were collected using Salimetrics. Mean and range from the survey questions were categorized and a logistical regression model was used to determine associations between variables. Results: Logistical analysis output for analysis of pesticide exposure and cancer diagnosis within the three countries, found participants in Nigeria who were exposed to pesticide use, to be a significant predictor of cancer diagnosis (p 0.013). The age of exposure was another variable analyzed to see whether there was a correlation between age of exposure in pesticide use and cancer diagnosis. No significant predictors were determined yet a reasoning to why a significance is not yet found could be due to many participants needing a closer examination into the consequences of early exposure to known carcinogens. Conclusion: Significant data was found between pesticide exposure and cancer diagnosis between the US, Cameroon, and Nigeria in West African Black men. Regarding age of pesticide exposure and the relation between cancer diagnosis, more data needs to be collected regarding these variables. Significance in determining pesticide use as a predictor for cancer diagnosis in black males, can lead to increased efforts in pesticide exposure education in addition to possible government reformation on laws regarding pesticide use. Citation Format: Emelina Asto-Flores, Iweala Emeka, Popoola Ademola, Paul Jibrin, Mohammed Faruk, Anthonia Sowumi, Omolara Fatiregun, Nkegoum Blaise, Catherine Oladoyinbo, Ifeoma Okoye, Abdulkadir Ayo Salako, Abidemi Omonisi, Iya Eze Bassey, Kayode Adeniji, Nggada Haruna Asura, Ernest Kaninjing, Oluwole Kukoyi, Parisa Fathi, Ruth Enuka, Oluwaseyi Toye, Jennifer Crook, CaPTC Investigators, Folakemi Odedina. Impact of pesticide exposure in West African Black men within the United States, Cameroon, and Nigeria [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1213.
Abstract 727: Early detection saves lives: I survived, and you can too— Any day above ground is a good day
Merriweather, AJ, Fullwood, Dottington , Crook, Jennifer , Asto-Flores, Emelina , Fathi, Parisa , Dronca, Roxana , Pressey, Shannon, Ngufor, Che

Cancer Research | April 5, 2023 | Volume: 83 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 727-727

10.1158/1538-7445.am2023-727 Get It

Abstract The day I received news of my prostate cancer diagnosis time paused for a minute. My heart was heavy, and my mind racing and my soul appeared to leave my body as the physician kept talking. I’m looking at this doctor and having internal conversations with myself about dying. My attention switched from listening to reflecting to Fred Sanford holding his heart and saying “Elizabeth, I am coming to join you”, but my wife was right next to me holding my hand. The embrace of our interlocked fingers without saying a word to one another assured both of us this too shall pass. My knowing I had support encouraged me to begin educating myself about the science of survivorship. The presence of prostate cancer resources was absent in my community. I began reading information online to grasp a better understanding of this disease. The information gained encouraged me to request a second opinion from another oncologist. I was amaze by the difference in opinion about treatment options. I felt the urge to identify and specifically speak with other Black men going through this process. Everywhere I looked for support groups felt like removing my hands from pocket and watching lent flee from my fingers. What did I do? I registered my own prostate cancer support group with the state of Florida. The group grew from a few to 20 Black men across major metropolitan cities in Florida. These group meetings extended to men leading groups in their communities. I joined the Prostate Health Education Network as the Regional Ambassador to promote prostate awareness and clinical trials. My advocacy presence in the state of Florida led to Dr. Odedina and I crossing paths to champion elimination of prostate cancer health disparities for Black men. I am a Citizen Scientist in the lab of Dr. Odedina working on the inclusive cancer care and research equity for Black men consortium. I have co-authored publications, co-presented at conferences, served on research projects, and contributed to grant funding totaling over $25 million as a citizen scientist. Currently working on a Department of Defense funded grant focusing on the point of prostate cancer diagnosis. The project has completed several events to dispel myths about participation in clinical research while discussions about early detection is vital to improve survivorship. The reward from this work is knowing I am helping create spaces for Black men never to travel this journey alone. I believe men appreciate having a patient supporter but require fellowship with men who have traveled the road to gain navigational insights on how to maneuver across this terrain. Citation Format: AJ Merriweather, Dottington Fullwood, Che Ngufor, Jennifer Crook, Emelina Asto-Flores, Parisa Fathi, Roxana Dronca, Shannon Pressey, Folakemi Odedina. Early detection saves lives: I survived, and you can too— Any day above ground is a good day [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 727.
Abstract 1972: Potential predictors of prostate cancer screening: Findings from the MiCaP research digest study
Machuca, Jessica Otero , Fathi, Parisa , Walsh-Childers, Kim , Odedina, Folakemi T., Lee, Daniel

Cancer Research | April 4, 2023 | Volume: 83 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 1972-1972

10.1158/1538-7445.am2023-1972 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Black men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer (CaP) and havebeen found to experience more aggressive forms of cancer. The Minority Prostate Cancer(MiCaP) Research Digest is a dissemination platform with the goal of spreading community-based and culturally relevant ways to provide prostate cancer discoveries, interventions, andclinical trials among Black men. In collecting pretest data, the MiCaP team was also able tocollect data on whether participants had been tested for CaP in the last year. We were also ableto collect data on various social determinant variables to test for association. Methods: Black men living in the United States ages 35 to 70 were recruited for this studythrough community-based methods. Participants were randomly assigned to an interventiongroup that received the MiCaP information material and a control group that watched a generalvideo. Both groups received baseline and follow-up surveys to assess their knowledge relatedto CaP clinical trials, testing, and treatment. Associations of characteristics from the baselinesurvey were evaluated using logistic regression models. Results: A total of 220 responses are included in this dataset. The majority of participants wereborn in the United States (93.06%), single (49.52%), attended/graduated college (35.65%),between 60 and 69 years (25.58%), had full-time employment (52.07%), and had a householdincome between 20,000 and 39,999 (21.66%). Only about 35% had read or heard about clinicaltrials within the last year. Logistic regression found a positive association between the followingvariables and getting tested for prostate cancer in the past year: if participants had heard ofcurrent prostate cancer research or discoveries, if an immediate family member had beendiagnosed with prostate cancer, age, and level of education. No association was found betweeninsurance status, utilization of healthcare, clinical trial participation, or clinical trial knowledge. Conclusion: There is an association between being aware of CaP discoveries, diagnosis of familymembers, education, and age with prostate cancer screening. Future work should be done tofurther explore this association and how to overcome the barriers those determinants mightprovide in screening. These data and future data on this can be used to further community-based interventions delivered in culturally relevant ways with the goal of encouraging positivehealth behaviors to reduce CaP in Black men. Citation Format: Jessica Otero Machuca, Parisa Fathi, Daniel Lee, Kim Walsh-Childers, Folakemi Odedina. Potential predictors of prostate cancer screening: Findings from the MiCaP research digest study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1972.
Abstract 4371: iCCaRe: Social determinants of health navigation, psycho-oncology, and emotional support for Black prostate cancer survivors: Review of current practices
Fullwood, Dottington , Merriweather, AJ, Balaji, KC, Dronca, Roxana , Colón‐Otero, Gerardo , Crook, Jennifer , Fathi, Parisa , Asto-Flores, Emelina , Pressey, Shannon, Ngufor, Che , Pereira, Deidre Byrnes

Cancer Research | April 4, 2023 | Volume: 83 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 4371-4371

10.1158/1538-7445.am2023-4371 Get It

Abstract Background: Black men continue to be disproportionately affected by prostate cancer incidence and mortality as compared to their White counterparts, despite worldwide declining prostate cancer diagnosis rates. This complex phenomenon remains poorly understood, especially at the point of a prostate cancer diagnosis. Newly diagnosed Black men report initial feelings ranging from being “shocked,” to “receiving a death sentence,” and both an ineptness of asking questions and a reliance on physicians for treatment options due to lack of knowledge. The psychological distress from prostate cancer uncertainties affects health management and treatment decisions, though it is unclear to what extent the role of social determinants of health factor in making informed healthcare decisions. Aim: In this scoping review, we examined the influence of the social determinants of health at point of prostate cancer diagnosis among Black men seeking to make an informed decision about their treatment plans. Methods: We followed the methodological framework: the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Five electronic databases, Emabase, Pubmed, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for quantitative and qualitative primary studies from the period 2005 until March 2022. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts, and full texts, against predefined criteria: empirical research, post 2000, in English-language peer-reviewed journals; participants included Black prostate cancer survivors and research explored social determinants of health at point of prostate cancer diagnosis. Studies were quality assessed for data charting. Results: The search yielded 283 studies, with 45 included studies for synthesis. Traditional social determinants of health were frequent. However, identification of themes such as social support, masculinity and stigma, fear of abandonment by medical staff, and cost of diagnostic procedures were prominent determinants. Notably, sub-themes emerged that included coping factors such as emotional distress, perceptions of normalcy, and poor prostate cancer knowledge. Conclusion: Understanding the social determinants of health impact on Black men, especially at point of prostate cancer diagnosis will allow survivors, physicians, and researchers to work at solving these health disparities. Citation Format: Dottington Fullwood, AJ Merriweather, Che Ngufor, Deidre Pereira, KC Balaji, Roxana Dronca, Gerardo Colon-Otero, Jennifer Crook, Parisa Fathi, Emelina Asto-Flores, Shannon Pressey, Folakemi Odedina. iCCaRe: Social determinants of health navigation, psycho-oncology, and emotional support for Black prostate cancer survivors: Review of current practices. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4371.