Abstract B106: Empowering communities: Prostate cancer short training pilot program
Authors: Guzman Ileana , Del Rio Nazleen , Hensel Brooke , Aristizabal Carolina , Ibarra Eduardo , Barahona Rosa , Baezconde-Garbanati Lourdes , Stern Mariana C. , Suther Sandra , Luque John , Webb Fern J. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The prostate cancer short training was designed to empower cancer survivors, their families, and advocates by providing comprehensive insights into prostate cancer research, prevention, and practical advocacy strategies. Participants were equipped with effective communication methodologies to disseminate information to their close circles and broader networks, thereby establishing a reputable source of information within their communities. The primary aim was to develop and evaluate a bilingual program focused on educating and empowering individuals within Hispanic/Latino communities to advocate for prostate cancer awareness. Sessions were conducted in both English and Spanish, and materials were culturally tailored to the Hispanic/Latino demographic. The overarching objectives included educating on risk factors, screening techniques and reinforcing advocacy for prostate cancer awareness. This training aspired to cultivate an inclusive community of informed advocates, advancing cancer awareness, support systems, and treatment accessibility. The Prostate Cancer Short Training served as an exclusive standalone session structured to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge regarding prostate cancer. It was delivered by the Florida California CaRE2 Health Equity Center, a partnership comprising three universities, the Florida A&M University, the University of Florida, and the University of Southern California. The training addresses prostate cancer and its disproportionate impact among thee Hispanic/Latino population. Pre- and post-tests were applied to assess participants' knowledge, self-efficacy, and intent to disseminate prostate cancer information. We present data from the 2024 Prostate Cancer Training pilot cohort (pre, N=11, post, N=11). The 11 participants were all of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity with 81.8% female participants and 18.2% male respectively. Participants demonstrated a notable increase in knowledge, with a 72% difference in correct responses between pre and post-assessment. No decline was observed in post-test scores. Our statistical analysis on knowledge, yielded p-values of 0.013, 0.13, 0.041, 0.074, &gt;0.9, 0.041, and &gt;0.9. Furthermore, there was an increase in self-efficacy and intention to disseminate cancer information among participants. In conclusion, we present findings from a Prostate Cancer Short Training pilot program designed for Hispanic/Latino adults, aimed at fostering advocacy within this demographic. Additionally, we underscore the significance of short training initiatives within the community to further support the overarching mission of eliminating cancer health disparities, particularly concerning Hispanic/Latino men, within the program's context.
Citation Format: Ileana Guzman, Nazleen Del Rio, Brooke Hensel, Carolina Aristizabal, Eduardo Ibarra, Rosa Barahona, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, Mariana C. Stern, Sandra Suther, John Luque, Fern J. Webb. Empowering communities: Prostate cancer short training pilot program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B106.