Abstract B14: Understanding beliefs about biospecimen collection and use for cancer research among older, urban African Americans
Authors: Brittain Kelly , Albrecht Terrance , Berry-Bobovski Lisa 
Published: December 2010

Purpose: Biological specimens donated by cancer patients and population-based controls provide important research material that may advance knowledge of molecular and genetic aspects of disease and promote development of new treatments. Increased biospecimen collection and banking will impact the quality of biomedical cancer research involving older African Americans now and in the future. For biospecimen collection, banking and analysis systems to be valuable, African Americans must be engaged early and often, to discuss their views, voice concerns and expectations. The study's purpose is to examine how cultural beliefs, perceptions and feelings about the process of collecting biospecimens for research affect the decision to donate biospecimens for clinical studies among older, urban African Americans.

Methods: Using community-based participatory research (CBPR), Karmanos and community partners-the Southeast Michigan CNP Community Advisory Group (CAG) and our Research Advisory Committee (RAC), will conduct focus groups on biospecimen collection and banking. The participants in the four focus groups will be African American, age 55 and older, 50% men and 50% women. CAG members will assist in planning and conducting focus groups and assist in interpreting focus group findings.

Collaborating with the CAG and RAC, themes from the focus group analysis will be used to develop a survey to assess relationships between demographics, health, attitudinal factors and decisions to donate biospecimens (tumor pathology tissue, blood, buccal swabs, urine, and hair)among older, African Americans. The CAG and RAC will participate in the selection and/ or development of reliable and valid survey instruments to assess health history, decision to donate, trust in health care providers and institutions and attitudes toward participating in research. The survey will be administered to 250 older, African Americans.

In collaboration with the CAG, using results from the focus group and survey, a culturally sensitive educational intervention will be developed and offered to the community. The intervention's purpose is to inform older African Americans about biospecimen collection and banking and how they impact efforts to reduce cancer health disparities. The workshop/ presentation will address the importance of CBPR methods to understanding factors related to biospecimen collection and banking. A pre/post instrument will assess participant's knowledge, attitudes and intentions to donate specimens. All study results will be shared with the CAG, RAC and the community, in general.

Conclusion: Given the alarming history regarding the abuse of African Americans participating in research and ethical issues associated with biospecimen collection, banking and use, makes it morally and ethically imperative to ascertain how older African Americans feel about biospecimen related activities Their feelings, perceptions, expectations and concerns can and will affect biospecimen collection and banking. The study's results will advance the understanding of issues affecting older African Americans decisions and beliefs concerning biospecimen banking and produce a tested educational intervention to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of participation in biospecimen collection and banking among older African Americans.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):B14.