African American Prostate Cancer Survivors Research Articles

Abstract A55: Assessing the applicability of leventhal's common sense model of illness representation to explain african american prostate cancer survivors' disease experiences and disease Management Strategies

Abstract Background: Culture has a major influence on many aspects of health in general, and cancer prevention and control in particular. Culture influences the receptiveness of consensus and evidence-based risk reduction strategies across the continuum of care. Culture also provides men with templates for interacting with clinicians and the health care system. Over the past two decades, medical and public health practitioners have devoted a great deal of attention to understanding how African American culture influences the multi-level processes that create or maintain prostate cancer treatment disparities. The current study adds to this growing body of literature by exploring the usefulness of Leventhal's Common Sense Model (CSM) of Illness Representation to explain the content and structure of African American prostate cancer survivors' narratives of their disease process and disease management strategies. Narrative structure was evaluated using the five illness representation domains of the CSM (i.e., cause, control/cure, consequences, identity, and, timeline). Narrative content was explored using investigator created sub-themes representing each illness representation domain. Methods: A purposive sample of prostate cancer survivors was recruited via cancer registries, word-of-mouth and newspaper advertisements in New York and Georgia from 2013 to 2014. Survivors were eligible to participate if they were diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (T1 or T2), able to speak and understand English, and self-identified as African American. Each participant completed a semi-structured, in-depth interview with a graduate trained interviewer. All men provided written informed consent and received a $50 incentive for their participation. Each interview was audiotape recorded, transcribed verbatim by a professional transcriptionist and entered into MAXQDA12 software for data management and analysis. All transcribed interviews were coded independently by a three-member team until a minimum of 80% coding agreement was reached. Results: A total of 15 men completed in-depth interviews. All interviews lasted between 30 - 90 minutes. With regard to narrative structure, survivors provided descriptions characterizing all five of the illness representation domains. More survivors provided descriptions relating to causes and consequences, while fewer provided descriptions related to the timeline domain. With regard to coping, many interviewees reported that it was challenging to simultaneously develop a treatment care plan while managing their emotions. Most descriptions of the consequences centered around concerns men had related to treatment rather than having the disease. Several interviewees expressed concerns about limitations placed on their personal and social relationships as a result of treatment complications. With regard to emotional coping, men reported a variety of adaptive and maladaptive strategies including acceptance, avoidance, humor, religion, and shared decision-making with family members and significant others. Despite these concerns, most men were grateful to be alive and were optimistic about their prognosis. Conclusion: The results of this research suggest that the CSM can be used to explain African American prostate cancer survivors' experiences with treatment care planning and coping. Future research should elucidate culturally acceptable strategies to help men simultaneously develop treatment plans and deal with the emotional aspect of having this disease. Future research should also focus on identifying similarities and differences between African American and White survivors using the CSM to determine if unique or one-size-fits all interventions are sufficient. Citation Format: Jarrett Johnson, Sarbesh Pandeya, Ahmed Kabore, Levi Ross. Assessing the applicability of leventhal's common sense model of illness representation to explain african american prostate cancer survivors' disease experiences and disease Management Strategies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A55.

Physician role in physical activity for African-American males undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer

PurposePhysical activity is recognized as a complementary therapy to improve physical and physiological functions among prostate cancer survivors. Little is known about communication between health providers and African-American prostate cancer patients, a high risk population, regarding the health benefits of regular physical activity on their prognosis and recovery. This study explores African-American prostate cancer survivors’ experiences with physical activity prescription from their physicians.MethodsThree focus group interviews were conducted with 12 African-American prostate cancer survivors in May 2014 in St. Louis, MO. Participants’ ages ranged from 49 to 79 years, had completed radical prostatectomy, and their time out of surgery varied from 7 to 31 months.ResultsEmerged themes included physician role on prescribing physical activity, patients’ perceived barriers to engaging in physical activity, perception of normalcy following surgery, and specific resources survivors’ sought during treatment. Of the 12 men who participated, 8 men (67%) expressed that their physicians did not recommend physical activity for them. Although some participants revealed they were aware of the importance of sustained physical activity on their prognosis and recovery, some expressed concerns that urinary dysfunction, incontinence, and family commitments prevented them from engaging in active lifestyles.ConclusionsTransitioning from post radical prostatectomy treatment to normal life was an important concern to survivors. These findings highlight the importance of physical activity communication and prescription for prostate cancer patients.

Abstract A19: A mixed methods approach to assessing ehealth activity among African American cancer survivors

Abstract The research literature on eHealth activity across different patient populations is rapidly expanding, yet little is known about eHealth among diverse cancer survivors. Most existing measures of such activity are quantitative (QUAN). Compared to qualitative (QUAL) methods, QUAN methods are limited in capturing in-depth information regarding eHealth experiences that can inform user-centered design of technologies optimized for survivors' use. The goal of the pilot project reported here was to develop a mixed methods approach to assessing the full scope of eHealth activity among African American cancer survivors. Based on a literature review, study investigators created a measure that included 27 eHealth activities across 5 domains: informational, communal, self-care/management, expert care, and transactional. An embedded mixed methods design was used in which QUAN items represented the “primary strand” of data and QUAL probes represented the “secondary strand.” Within each domain, participants responded to QUAN items regarding each activity that asked if they were aware the activity was possible; if they had ever engaged in the activity personally; whether someone else (surrogate) had engaged in the activity on their behalf; the recency of the eHealth activity; how often the activity was related to their cancer; and their interest in engaging in the activity in the future. Then, QUAL probes were presented asking about the reasons they had participated in domain-specific activities and general problems or challenges within activities, or what had kept them from engaging in the activities and the support/resources needed to do so in the future. Participants were 23 African American breast, prostate, and colorectal (CRC) cancer survivors (12 breast; 7 prostate; 2 female CRC; 1 male CRC) identified through the Metropolitan Detroit Cancer Surveillance System, a member of NCI's SEER program. The mean age among participants was 60 years and time since end of primary treatment ranged from 13-46 months. In this pilot sample, 78% reported using the internet. Personal engagement in eHealth activities was highest in the informational domain (range: 9-72% across items) and the most reported activity was searching online for information about specific symptoms or problems. Personal engagement was lowest in the transactional domain. Across both personal and surrogate engagement, eHealth activities most often reported as related to cancer most or all of the time were searching online for information about how to reduce healthcare costs (60%), searching online for information about a hospital or healthcare facility (62.5%), and using technology to track medical symptoms (100%). Across all participants, interest in future engagement was greatest in the informational domain, including searching online for information about specific symptoms (86%), medical treatments or procedures (78%), and signing up to receive online, email or mobile updates on medical issues (74%). Interest in the future engagement was lowest for the communal domain. QUAL probes revealed several challenges within eHealth activities including difficulties in identifying credible health-related online resources; verifying the credibility of online health information; determining effective search terms to find relevant information; managing different policies across healthcare providers related to the electronic exchange of information; and technical problems with devices. Findings led to the revision of this mixed methods approach such that additional QUAN items and QUAL probes were added, with QUAL probes specific to eHealth activities rather than eHealth domains . The revised measure is currently being administered as part of an AHRQ-funded R01 study of eHealth activity among 1200 African American and white cancer survivors in the metropolitan Detroit area. Citation Format: Hayley S. Thompson, Anne Katz, Charity Barnes, Mary Smith, Tara Eaton. A mixed methods approach to assessing ehealth activity among African American cancer survivors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A19.

Prostate Cancer Survivorship among African American Men

This article describes how African American prostate cancer survivors negotiate medical systems create guideposts for survival, and strategies for rehabilitation. The intent is to explore the availability and significance of formal and informal psychosocial support systems that are utilized by African American prostate cancer survivors and to better understand the coping and adaptation of survivors and their families. The article will address the role of social support systems, prostate cancer support groups, and self-help groups. Prostate cancer survivorship will be viewed within the larger context of cancer survivorship initiatives in the United States. According to the SEER statistics, 5 year survival by race is 99.6% for White men and 95.9% for African American men. The lower survival rate and higher mortality rate among African American men have resulted in diminished outcomes and poorer quality of life experiences.

Abstract 1355: Biospecimen preferences of African-American cancer survivors for cancer genetic research.

Abstract Background: Research based on large population-based biobanks has potential to ameliorate health disparities attributed to biological and genetic differences. Study goals were to identify associations of cancer survivors’ sample preferences with sociodemographic characteristics and familiarity with genetic research and testing. Methods: Information was analyzed on a convenience sample of 158 adult African-American breast, colon or prostate cancer survivors who expressed a willingness to provide a biospecimen for cancer genetic research. Information was collected from a self-directed instrument that measured: 1) demographics, 2)familiarity with genetic research and testing, and 3)willingness to provide a variety of sample types. Descriptive statistics and bivariate chi-square analyses were utilized. Results: Sample preference variation (N=158) consisted of: 65%, 62% and 18% willing to donate blood, saliva and tissue, respectively. One third (n= 53) endorsed willingness to provide only one form of biological sample (blood, saliva, or tissue). Significant associations were detected between willingness to provide tissue and individuals < 50 years of age (p=0.04). Sample preferences were not otherwise related to age at cancer diagnosis, gender, income, educational status, or familiarity with genetic testing or genetic research. Conclusions/Impact: Providing options of acceptable biological sample types may yield increased donation from minorities. Inadvertently, this may introduce quality control challenges in obtaining sufficient or multiple forms of biological samples. Identifying additional predictive factors for samples preferences may lead to improvements in methods used to obtain biospecimens from minority populations. Citation Format: Altovise T. Ewing, Lori AH Erby, Luisel J. Ricks-Santi, Nnenna Kalu, Denise M. Scott. Biospecimen preferences of African-American cancer survivors for cancer genetic research. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1355. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1355 Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 because the presenter was unable to attend.

African American prostate cancer survivors’ treatment decision-making and quality of life

ObjectiveTo examine African-American prostate cancer (PCa) survivors’ involvement in treatment decision-making (TDM), and examine the association between TDM and quality of life (QOL), using secondary data. MethodsAfrican-American PCa survivors (181) were recruited from the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry. Participants completed a cross-sectional survey that asked about their chosen cancer treatment, TDM factors, and PCa-specific QOL (using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite – EPIC). Multivariate analysis of covariance was conducted to determine the association between TDM and QOL, controlling for confounders. ResultsMost men reported being active (44.2%) or collaborative (38.1%) in TDM, while 14.4% preferred a passive role. Adjusting for marital status, education and treatment, passive patients reported somewhat better QOL compared to active patients in the following QOL domains: urinary summary (p=0.04), urinary function (p=0.01), and urinary incontinence (p=0.03). ConclusionMost African-American PCa survivors preferred to be, and were, actively or collaboratively involved in TDM. However, those who preferred a passive role reported better PCa-specific QOL for the urinary domain compared to others. Practice implicationsIt is important to assess patients’ TDM preference. Patients’ QOL may differ by their TDM role, such that active patients may be more bothered by treatment side effects than other patients.

Masculinity Beliefs Predict Psychosocial Functioning in African American Prostate Cancer Survivors

Research examining psychosocial functioning in African American prostate cancer survivors has been limited, in spite of documented higher mortality from prostate cancer and worse long-term physical and emotional outcomes from prostate cancer treatment reported by this group of survivors. In addition, the role of masculinity in psychosocial adjustment among prostate cancer survivors is not well understood. In this study, 59 African American prostate cancer survivors completed a questionnaire assessing masculinity beliefs related to self-reliance, emotional control, and dominance, as well as measures of psychosocial functioning (i.e., symptom distress, negative mood, and functional and social well-being). Results of regression analyses indicated that masculinity beliefs predicted negative mood, functional well-being, and social well-being, controlling for age, income, and medical comorbidities. The findings reported here, although preliminary, suggest that masculinity beliefs could be important therapeutic targets for improving the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral interventions for men adjusting to prostate cancer survivorship.

Understanding the Psychosocial Issues of African American Couples Surviving Prostate Cancer

African Americans are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer, yet less is known about the most salient psychosocial dimensions of quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of African American prostate cancer survivors and their spouses of psychosocial issues related to quality of life. Twelve African American couples were recruited from a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center registry and a state-based non-profit organization to participate in individual interviews. The study was theoretically based on Ferrell's Quality of Life Conceptual Model. Common themes emerged regarding the psychosocial needs of African American couples. These themes were categorized into behavioral, social, psychological, and spiritual domains. Divergent perspectives were identified between male prostate cancer survivors and their female spouses. This study delineated unmet needs and areas for future in-depth investigations into psychosocial issues. The differing perspectives between patients and their spouses highlight the need for couple-centered interventions.

Psychosocial issues related to sexual functioning among African‐American prostate cancer survivors and their spouses

Focus on cancer survivorship and quality of life (QOL) is a growing priority. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the most salient psychosocial concerns related to sexual functioning among African-American (AA) prostate cancer survivors and their spouses. Twelve AA prostate cancer survivors and their spouses participated in semi-structured individual interviews. The interviews assessed couples' experiences with psychosocial adjustment and sexual functioning posttreatment for localized prostate cancer. The data were analyzed using the constant comparison method and content analysis. In this qualitative study of couples surviving prostate cancer, there were divergent views between the male prostate cancer survivors and their female partners, particularly regarding sexual functioning. For the males, QOL issues emerged as the primary area of concern, whereas survival of their husbands was considered most important among the female spouses. The male respondents expressed unease with the sexual side effects of their cancer treatment, such as erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual desire and satisfaction. Female spouses recognized decreased sexual desire in their partners following treatment, but this was not considered a primary concern. Patients and their spouses may have differing perceptions regarding QOL and the impact of sexual functioning on survivorship. This study points to the need for further research and intervention development to address these domains with a goal to improve QOL.

Abstract A72: A qualitative examination of the quality of life of African American prostate cancer survivors and their spouses

Abstract Few research studies have comprehensively examined the psychosocial issues experienced by African American prostate cancer survivors and their spouses, in spite of the disproportionate impact of this disease. The primary goal of this exploratory study was to identify the most salient psychosocial related dimensions of quality of life, as self-reported by African American prostate cancer survivors and their spouses. Twelve African American couples were recruited to participate in an individual interview from a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center cancer registry and a state-based non-profit organization. The interview guide was structured according to Betty Ferrell's Quality of Life Conceptual Model. The interview transcripts were analyzed using a combination of hand coding and Atlas.ti software. Content analysis was conducted using an immersion/crystallizing analysis plan. Common themes regarding the psychosocial needs of African American couples based on the behavioral, social, psychological, and spiritual domains emerged. Divergent perspectives were identified between the male prostate cancer survivors and their female spouses. A focus on cancer survivorship and quality of life is a growing priority. This study of African American couples surviving prostate cancer highlights the need for more in-depth investigations of psychosocial issues. Furthermore, different perspectives between African American patients and their spouses were identified, highlighting the need for couple-centered interventions. The findings of this study will assist in the development and testing of culturally appropriate community education resources and interventions to minimize the impact of the burden of prostate cancer treatment among African Americans. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A72.

Exploring cancer support needs for older African-American men with prostate cancer

The purpose of this study was to explore cancer support and financial issues related to cancer care experienced by African-American men with prostate cancer and to understand whom they relied on for resource issues during diagnosis and treatment. This is a descriptive qualitative study of 23 rural and urban 65years old and older African-American prostate cancer survivors. Five focus groups were conducted containing African-American prostate cancer survivors who were recruited from community-based centers (e.g., churches, barbershops, diners, and primary care clinics) in central Virginia and Maryland. Focus group discussions were audiotaped, transcribed, and coded. Data were organized and managed using a qualitative analysis software program. Emerging themes uncovered specific problems for older rural African-American men with cancer, and focus group data were examined for potential solutions to these problems. Two common themes emerged: (1) family and physician support are important, and (2) insurance is a necessity for appropriate health care. A difference between rural and urban African-American prostate cancer survivors emerged as well: difference in spirituality during diagnosis and treatment. Rural and urban African-American prostate cancer survivors' major support resource was their wives. Health insurance played a critical role as a support source by decreasing anxiety and financial hardships. Understanding rural and urban African-American prostate cancer survivors' support needs and challenges in relation to cancer diagnosis and treatment will allow nurses and other health-care providers to tailor cancer health plans more effectively for this population.

Prostate Cancer Communication Strategies Recommended by Older African-American Men in South Carolina: A Qualitative Analysis

Mortality from prostate cancer (PrCA) in African-American (AA) men is significantly higher than in European-American (EA) men. Purposive sampling identified 25 AA men >or=45 years for interviews/focus groups. Participants were asked about cancer information-seeking behaviors, capacity to use information, and recommendations for messages and message delivery. Transcripts were analyzed for themes about PrCA communication. Barriers to information seeking were fear, poor resources, and limited family communication. Participants requested messages stressing men's "ownership" of PrCA delivered "word-of-mouth" by clergymen, AA women, and AA PrCA survivors. Direct and timely messages about PrCA should be developed for AA men.

Health behavior changes in white and African American prostate cancer survivors.

Prostate cancer prognosis may be improved by healthy behaviors; however, little is known regarding whether prostate cancer survivors make health behavior changes after diagnosis, and there are no data on racial/ethnic differences. This study explored patterns of and factors that influence healthy behavior changes in diet, physical activity, and dietary supplement use among whites and African Americans (n = 30) aged 45 to 70 years, approximately 1 year after diagnosis with localized prostate cancer. Data were collected by telephone using semistructured qualitative interviews. The mean participant age was 59.6 years, 77% had attended college, 87% were married, and 22% were retired. Most (58%) had improved their diet since diagnosis, defined as eating more fruits/vegetables and less fat. Although 77% reported regular use of at least 1 dietary supplement before diagnosis, several discontinued use after diagnosis. Sixty-seven percent exercised regularly before diagnosis, and most of these (75%) continued after diagnosis; however, time and health constraints were barriers. Physician recommendation and family support strongly influenced positive changes. Except for more postdiagnosis dietary improvements in African Americans, there were few racial differences in patterns/motives for behavior changes. Most respondents were motivated to maintain and/or adopt healthy behavioral changes after diagnosis. Nurses/physicians are encouraged to inform their prostate cancer patients about the benefits of healthy eating and regular exercise and about the absence of scientific evidence regarding the benefits/risks of most supplements, particularly herbal formulations.

Health Behavior Changes in White and African American Prostate Cancer Survivors

Health Behavior Changes in White and African American Prostate Cancer Survivors

Family Interactions Among African American Prostate Cancer Survivors

Prostate cancer affects African Americans at a higher rate than any other ethnic group in the United States. Prostate cancer does not only affect the man with the disease but also affects those individuals who are closest to him, such as his family and friends. Open communication is valuable in coping with stressors that are affiliated with chronic illnesses. This article focuses on family and friend social support of men with prostate cancer. Data analysis revealed that support from family members and friends plays an important role in how men cope with their treatment and recovery from prostate cancer.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Modality Use and Beliefs Among African American Prostate Cancer Survivors

To examine the cultural beliefs and attitudes of African American prostate cancer survivors regarding the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities. Mixed methods with primary emphasis on a phenomenology approach. In-person interviews in participants' homes and rural community facilities. 14 African American men diagnosed with and treated for prostate cancer. Personal interviews using a semistructured interview guide. Prostate cancer, CAM, African American men's health, culture, herbs, prayer, spirituality, and trust. All participants used prayer often; two men used meditation and herbal preparations. All men reported holding certain beliefs about different categories of CAM. Several men were skeptical of CAM modalities other than prayer. Four themes were revealed: importance of spiritual needs as a CAM modality to health, the value of education in relation to CAM, importance of trust in selected healthcare providers, and how men decide on what to believe about CAM modalities. Prayer was a highly valued CAM modality among African American prostate cancer survivors as a way to cope with their disease. Medical treatment and trust in healthcare providers also were found to be important. Most participants were skeptical of CAM modalities other than prayer. Participants expressed a strong belief in spirituality and religiosity in relationship to health and their prostate cancer. Participants' trust in their healthcare providers was important. Healthcare providers must understand how African Americans decide what to believe about CAM modalities to improve their health. This research provided valuable information for future development of culturally sensitive communication and infrastructural improvements in the healthcare system.

Facilitating research participation and improving quality of life for African American prostate cancer survivors and their intimate partners

African American men experience worse prostate cancer outcomes compared with those of Caucasian men, not only in incidence and mortality rates, but also in coping with the side effects of treatment. Unfortunately, African American men have been significantly under-represented in research evaluating the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for improving coping in prostate cancer survivors. This pilot study explored the feasibility and efficacy of coping skills training (CST), an intervention developed to enhance coping with treatment side effects in a sample of African American prostate cancer survivors and their intimate partners. The intervention was delivered in a telephone-based format designed to facilitate research participation. A total of 40 couples were randomized to either 6 sessions of CST or usual care. Survivors completed measures of disease-specific quality of life (QOL) related to urinary, sexual, bowel, and hormonal symptom domains, as well as measures of global QOL (i.e., physical functioning and mental health). Partners completed measures of caregiver strain, mood, and vigor. Analysis of data from 30 couples (12 couples in CST, 18 couples in usual care) indicated that CST produced moderate to large treatment effects for QOL related to bowel, urinary, sexual, and hormonal symptoms. Partners who underwent CST reported less caregiver strain, depression, and fatigue, and more vigor, with moderate effect sizes observed that approached conventional levels of statistical significance. These preliminary findings suggest that telephone-based CST is a feasible approach that can successfully enhance coping inAfrican American prostate cancer survivors and their intimate partners. Cancer 2007. (c) 2006 American Cancer Society.

Prostate cancer in African Americans: relationship of patient and partner self-efficacy to quality of life

This study examined the relationship between patient and partner ratings of self-efficacy for symptom control and quality of life (QOL) among 40 African American prostate cancer survivors and their intimate partners. Data analyses revealed that cancer survivors who had rated their self-efficacy for symptom control higher reported better QOL related to urinary, bowel, and hormonal symptoms and better general health QOL (i.e., better physical functioning and better mental health). Data analyses also revealed that partners who rated their self-efficacy for helping the patient manage symptoms as higher reported better QOL (i.e., less negative mood and less caregiver strain). Finally, exploratory analyses indicated that higher self-efficacy in patients was associated with less anxiety and caregiver strain in partners, and higher self-efficacy in partners was associated with better adjustment to bowel and hormonal symptoms and better mental health in patients. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed and future directions for research on self-efficacy in African American prostate cancer survivors are identified.

Other: Links between frequency of painful symptoms, self-efficacy, and quality of life after prostate cancer treatment: Experiences of African American men

Men who have undergone surgical and radiation treatment for prostate cancer report a number of treatment side effects across a wide range of symptom domains, including sexual, urinary, bowel, and hormonal symptoms. All of these symptom domains have a pain component which may contribute to reduced quality of life for prostate cancer survivors. However, few studies have examined the relationship between painful treatment side effects and quality of life among prostate cancer survivors and even less is known about the symptom experiences of African American prostate cancer survivors. To address these gaps in the research literature we explored the following in a sample of African American prostate cancer survivors: 1) the association between frequency of pain symptoms and quality of life, and 2) the association between self-efficacy for symptom control and painful symptoms. Participants were 40 African American men (mean age 61.4 years, SD 8.8) participating in a study examining psychosocial functioning following treatment for prostate cancer. Measures collected from survivors included a pain symptoms subscale consisting of items from the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite, subscales of the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire, and the Self-Efficacy for Symptom Control Inventory, a measure of self-efficacy for symptom management, carrying out physical activities despite symptoms, and coping with symptoms. We hypothesized that 1) more frequent pain symptoms would be associated with lower quality of life in the areas of physical functioning and mental health, and 2) prostate cancer survivors who reported higher self-efficacy would report less frequent pain symptoms. Results of correlational analyses indicated that men who reported more frequent pain symptoms also reported lower quality of life in the areas of physical functioning and mental health, as was hypothesized. Results also supported the hypothesis that survivors who reported higher self-efficacy for symptom management also reported less frequent pain symptoms Men who have undergone surgical and radiation treatment for prostate cancer report a number of treatment side effects across a wide range of symptom domains, including sexual, urinary, bowel, and hormonal symptoms. All of these symptom domains have a pain component which may contribute to reduced quality of life for prostate cancer survivors. However, few studies have examined the relationship between painful treatment side effects and quality of life among prostate cancer survivors and even less is known about the symptom experiences of African American prostate cancer survivors. To address these gaps in the research literature we explored the following in a sample of African American prostate cancer survivors: 1) the association between frequency of pain symptoms and quality of life, and 2) the association between self-efficacy for symptom control and painful symptoms. Participants were 40 African American men (mean age 61.4 years, SD 8.8) participating in a study examining psychosocial functioning following treatment for prostate cancer. Measures collected from survivors included a pain symptoms subscale consisting of items from the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite, subscales of the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire, and the Self-Efficacy for Symptom Control Inventory, a measure of self-efficacy for symptom management, carrying out physical activities despite symptoms, and coping with symptoms. We hypothesized that 1) more frequent pain symptoms would be associated with lower quality of life in the areas of physical functioning and mental health, and 2) prostate cancer survivors who reported higher self-efficacy would report less frequent pain symptoms. Results of correlational analyses indicated that men who reported more frequent pain symptoms also reported lower quality of life in the areas of physical functioning and mental health, as was hypothesized. Results also supported the hypothesis that survivors who reported higher self-efficacy for symptom management also reported less frequent pain symptoms