Abstract 7447: Understanding survivorship: A national survey of post-treatment experiences in Black prostate cancer survivors

Abstract

Abstract Prostate cancer, impacts over 3.1 million survivors, poses persistent challenges in post-treatment care, creating uncertainties regarding the best course of follow-up actions for leading productive lives. Unfortunately, these concerns, especially among ethnically diverse Black men, are frequently overlooked. The post-treatment journey for Black prostate cancer survivors is dependent on how they navigate survivorship to determine how it impacts their quality of life and emotional wellbeing. This study evaluated the post-treatment cancer experience and gauge satisfaction with care among a cohort of Black survivors (n = 45). Utilizing data from the 2023 National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship State of Survivorship Study (n = 1303), conducted between May 9th to June 6th, 2023, the research specifically targets self-identified Black males, constituting 10% of the study population and spanning an age range from 18 to 80 years. Results revealed that oncologists (44%) managed post-treatment care more than primary care physicians (30%). While conversation about follow-up care monitoring cancer tests regularly occurred (68%), while topics such as quality of life (27%), mental and emotional health (21%), and post-treatment survivorship care plans (9%) received minimal attention. Although most survivors felt generally informed about side effects (62% very informed), less than half felt their health care team was very helpful in dealing with them. Symptoms reported by survivors included feeling overly tired (47%), depression, anxiety, and mental health impacts (40%), and uncertainty about the cancer status (34%). Survivors engaging in diverse integrative treatments, including such practices as prayer and exercise, represented 29% and 28%, respectfully. Notably, 80% and 60% of individuals utilizing these modalities reported finding them effective during the post-treatment care phase. The journey from the point of prostate cancer diagnosis to post-treatment can impose a significant mental and physical toll on survivors. To address the emotional and psychological challenges associated with a diagnosis and post-treatment, survivors adopting integrative oncology modalities and exercise prescriptions to cope are crucial. These strategies may help survivors maintain a positive outlook and achieve optimal post-treatment health, with a focus on providing tailored resources that cater to the unique needs of Black survivors. Citation Format: Dottington Fullwood, Daniel Lee, Veronika Panagiotou, Samantha B. Siegel, Mariel Molina, Folakemi T. Odedina. Understanding survivorship: A national survey of post-treatment experiences in Black prostate cancer survivors [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 7447.