Abstract
Problem statement: Numerous studies have examined the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Prostate Cancer (PCa) survivors but few have examined potential differences between races. The causes for alterations in HRQoL in PCa survivors have not been thoroughly explored either, limiting insight regarding potential means to improve their quality of life. Using a large sample of approximately equal numbers of Caucasian-American (CA) and African-American (AA) PCa survivors, the Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Project (Q-PCaP) is designed to determine if there is a disparity in HRQoL between these groups. Furthermore, QPCaP will determine to what extent certain factors, specifically Healthy Life Behaviors (HLBs), socioeconomic determinants and cultural characteristics of AA and CA PCa survivors affect HRQoL and provide an explanation for any potential disparities observed. Approach: Q-PCaP is a follow-up study built upon a population-based study, the North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP). PCaP enrolled men with newly-diagnosed PCa from specific regions of these two states from September 2004 through August 2009. Q-PCaP is designed to collect follow up HRQoL data from the Louisiana cohort of PCaP 3-6 years after their initial baseline interview. Subjects current HLBs, social, economical, physical and emotional status, including prostate-related symptoms and other comorbidities, as well as their self-reported experience regarding PCa treatment and health care, will be collected via telephone interviews. The presence and degree of any disparity in the HRQoL between AA and CA PCa survivors will be evaluated. Results: The study will generate a rich archive of follow-up data for a well-characterized population-based cohort of men with PCa to improve understanding of the determinants and disparities in HRQoL. Primary data collection activities are expected to continue through January 2013, yielding approximately 900 enrolled PCa survivors. Conclusion: HLBs are potentially modifiable factors affecting the HRQoL of PCa survivorship. Identifying those that contribute the most to HRQoL and instituting interventions to alter unhealthy behaviors may make it possible to not only improve overall HRQoL of PCa survivors, but to reduce racial disparities.
Highlights
Incidence continues to remain high, the mortality associated with Prostate Cancer (PCa) diagnosis has dramatically decreased over the last decades (Jemal et al, 2008)
The characteristics, higher rate of comorbidities, later stage of study will collect the data required to assess the disease at diagnosis and more issues regarding health Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of PCa survivors, evaluate the degree of any care
This study describes Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Project (Q-Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP))’s study design and presents preliminary descriptive data regarding the study sample
Summary
Incidence continues to remain high, the mortality associated with Prostate Cancer (PCa) diagnosis has dramatically decreased over the last decades (Jemal et al, 2008). The characteristics, higher rate of comorbidities, later stage of study will collect the data required to assess the disease at diagnosis and more issues regarding health HRQoL of PCa survivors, evaluate the degree of any care As a result of changes in overall demographics of the region and the dispersal of potential subjects following Hurricane Katrina, PCaP LA initiated Phase II enrollment in an expanded study area that included eight additional parishes in southern Louisiana (Fig. 1) This Phase II enrollment began in September of 2006 and was completed on August 31, survivors under 60 made up 37.0% of the AA participants in Phase I versus 36.0% in Phase II and 22.3% versus 29.2% for CA in the respective periods. AA PCa survivors had a higher showed that 44.2% of AA and only 8.5% of CA had percentage of participants below 200% of the a medical literacy at or below the 6th grade level in poverty level (as defined by the US Census Bureau Phase I and 39.1 Vs. 8.3% for Phase II (Carpenter et in 2004) with 10.9 Vs. 4.3% for Phase I and 8.1 Vs. al., 2009) (Table 1)
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