Abstract B018: An exploration of the prostate cancer survivorship experience of sub-Saharan African immigrants in the United States
Authors: Rae Walker B. , Van Voorhis Kaitlin , Kaninjing Ernie 
Published: December 2023

Background: Prostate cancer (CaP) is a significant public health problem affecting men globally. In 2020, there were over 1.4 million new cases, making it the second most commonly occurring cancer in men worldwide. While CaP disproportionately affects men of African ancestry research studies often characterizes men of African descent as a homogenous group: Black. Subpopulations, such as sub-Saharan African immigrants (SSAI) in the US, are 1.5 times more likely to develop CaP compared to US born blacks. Health behaviors, cultural beliefs, and lived experiences of SSAI may be contributing factors to these disparities. With a 5-year relative survival rate of 97%, men are living longer after CaP diagnoses. This study aimed to explore the survivorship experiences of SSAI living in the US. Methods: 16 SSAI including CaP survivors aged 40 to 70 years participated in this qualitative study guided by Grounded Theory and the NIMHD Framework. A purposeful sampling was employed to ensure diversity in socioeconomic status, age, duration of stay in the US and country of origin. One-on-one interviews were conducted and transcribed, followed by a two-step verification process. Nvivo 12 was utilized for open, axial, and theoretical coding. Results: This study identified four major trends affecting survivors: (a) the impact of CaP on sexual health, (b) emotional health, (c) dietary changes, and (d) changes in physical activity. Participants reported CaP has reduced their ability to perform sexually, which in some cases, resulted in marital strife. Furthermore, major triggers of declining emotional health were mentioned by survivors including partner rejection and difficulties acculturating. Dietary changes were especially difficult due to the major change in available foods options in the US versus their home country. Multiple survivors expressed the hardship of limited access to fresh, healthy foods compared to unhealthy food options, making it challenging for them to have a healthy diet. Lastly, some survivors found it harder to be physically active in the US compared to their home country due to lifestyle, environment, and cultural differences. For instance, in the US, motorized vehicles are the most utilized form of transportation, but in most sub-Saharan African countries, walking is more common. Without walking, it is challenging for some survivors to achieve their physical activity goals in the US. Conclusion: This research illuminates how the CaP survivorship and acculturation experience are heavily intertwined, influencing one another. This interwoven relationship can be utilized in healthcare to facilitate improved CaP survivorship outcomes and to increase other positive health outcomes for SSAI.Key Words: African immigrants, survivorship, prostate cancer, sexual health, emotional health, diet, physical activity. Funding Source: This study is funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (1R15MD017012-01A1). This study is also part of the Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC) network.

Citation Format: Walker B. Rae, Kaitlin Van Voorhis, Ernie Kaninjing. An exploration of the prostate cancer survivorship experience of sub-Saharan African immigrants in the United States [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B018.