Proceedings of the 1st Biennial Science of Global Prostate Cancer Disparities in Black Men

Abstract

Prostate cancer continues to be the most significant cancer proven to disproportionately overburden men of African descent, especially United States (US) Black men. Unfortunately, African American race/ethnicity is one of the three primary non-modifiable risk factors confirmed for prostate cancer.1,2 We are yet to confirm the primary reasons for the disparate burden of prostate cancer among Black men. This problem is further compounded by the fact that prostate cancer has become a major public health problem in developing countries. Thereby, global collaborations among prostate cancer scientists, clinicians, survivors and advocates are important to better understand the etiology of prostate cancer among at-risk Black men, and develop effective interventions to address these disparities. The Science of Global Prostate Cancer Disparities in Black Men conference was organized to: 1. Provide opportunities for mutual learning, knowledge transfer, and collaborations among prostate cancer scientist clinicians, survivors and advocates. 2. Promote trans-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary prostate cancer research globally; 3. Facilitate networking among individuals involved in all aspects of prostate cancer control, education and research in Black men. 4. Facilitate the development of a global community of practice to address common challenges in prostate cancer, including prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. 5. Contribute to a global impact against prostate cancer through research training and education programs for low-resource countries. The primary goals for participants were to: • Learn - Learn from internationally renowned speakers recognized in prostate cancer disparities and survivorship research. • Discover - Discover the latest research findings on prostate cancer Prevention, Early Detection, Diagnosis, Treatment, Survivorship and End-of-Life. • Connect - Connect with other Researchers, Clinicians, Patients, Advocates and Policy makers from North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. • Share - Share ideas with other conference delegates involved in all aspects of prostate cancer control and research in Black Men. • Explore - Explore the world of trans-disciplinary prostate cancer research. • Develop - Develop a global community of practice to address common challenges in prostate cancer disparities. The 1st Biennial Science of Global Prostate Cancer Disparities in Black Men Conference was held in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, Florida on August 27-29, 2010. A total of 96 delegates participated in the conference, including 21 patient/survivors, family, and friends. There were 15 international delegates from Africa, the Caribbean, and United Kingdom.