Edward J. Benz, Jr., M.D. 2008 Prostate Cancer Disparity Summit September 25, 2008

1. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) Partnership to Eliminate Prostate Cancer Disparities Edward J. Benz, Jr., M.D. 2008 Prostate Cancer Disparity Summit September 25, 2008

2. Partnership DFCI and PHEN have partnered since 2004 to make an impact on reducing the African American prostate cancer disparity. Why: Mortality rate from prostate cancer is 2.4 times higher in African-American men than in white men. How: Leveraging DFCI’s research, clinical and outreach resources, and providing financial support. Combining with PHEN’s advocacy and outreach at the grassroots level.

3. Activities DFCI’s Prostate Education and Screening Program: • An evidence-based intervention • Begins with an educational session • Informed-decision making model • Partnership with PHEN and with over 40 community-based organizations, churches, employer sites and public housing sites. • Led by health educator and medical director • Provides screening utilizing DFCI mobile health van • Includes patient navigation for men with elevated PSA and/or cancer diagnosis • Now in its 4th year, steady growth with over 900 men educated and 300 men screened annually.

4. Support Groups and Clinical Lectures • Monthly support group for men of color – held since 2004 - with generally 30 attendees • Monthly clinical lectures by DFCI faculty from basic researchers and clinicians in the Genitourinary Disease Program. Topics have included genomics, targeted therapies, new treatment options, among others.

5. Connecting Outreach to Research Health Services Research • Ongoing evaluation of effectiveness of prostate screening program • Studies relating to access, utilization, and effectiveness of patient navigation DF/HCC Initiative to Eliminate Cancer Disparities • Basic and disease-based disparities research (example – physiological differences in prostate tumors among different populations) • Partnerships with high schools and colleges to encourage minority youth to seek careers in medical research • Community engagement for cancer prevention, treatment, and education about clinical trials • Enhance faculty diversity • Ensure cultural competence

6. Benefits of the Partnership • We’ve created a model that can be replicated by other cancer centers. • As the current President of the Association of American Cancer Institutes, I will be working with our 92 cancer center members to adopt this model nationally. • The prostate cancer racial disparity is the largest for any type of cancer. Solutions that prove to be effective for this disparity could serve as models for other diseases where similar partnerships can be developed.

7. Moving Forward • Since its founding in 2003, with Tom Farrington’s vision and commitment, PHEN has evolved into a national prostate cancer advocacy leader, clearly demonstrating its ability to be effective. • I call on other cancer centers and members of Congress to join us in addressing this public health crisis in African-American men and their families.