4th Townhall Event on Prostate Cancer Survivorship in Black Men: Elevating Comfortability Around Health Conversations and Early Diagnosis

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Topic: 4th Townhall Event on Prostate Cancer Survivorship in Black Men: Elevating Comfortability Around Health Conversations and Early Diagnosis

Speakers: Three Black prostate cancer survivors, Samuel L. Washington III, MD, MAS, is a urologic cancer surgeon practicing at UCSF Health, and Dr. Desiree Azizoddin, a clinical psychologist

Speaker Disclosures: N/A

Professional Practice Gap: In our community, there exists a significant professional practice gap in terms of health discussions, particularly regarding prostate cancer among Black men. There is often a lack of comfort in initiating these conversations, leading to delayed or inadequate awareness about the importance of early diagnosis. This gap hinders proactive health decisions, which is critical in mitigating the impact of prostate cancer. Our town hall aims to bridge this gap by fostering an environment that encourages open health conversations and underscores the urgency of early diagnosis

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Learning Objectives:

1. Enhancing Comfort in Health Conversations: To equip participants with strategies and tools to facilitate comfortable and open health discussions, with a specific focus on addressing the hesitancy surrounding prostate cancer among Black men.

2. Promoting Proactive Health Practices: Empowering Black men with the knowledge and motivation to prioritize their health through regular screenings, emphasizing the significance of early detection and its impact on overall well-being.

3. Comprehensive Understanding of Treatment Options: Providing a deep understanding of available treatment options for prostate cancer, including potential side effects and their influence on quality of life, to facilitate informed decision-making.

4. Normalizing Aging and Prostate Cancer Discussions: Encouraging a shift in the narrative around aging and prostate cancer, breaking down stigmas, and normalizing discussions to promote early awareness and action.

5. Building a Supportive Network: Highlighting the importance of community support and encouraging the establishment of networks that foster understanding, empathy, and a sense of shared responsibility in the face of health challenges.