Improving the health of African American men: experiences from the Targeting Cancer in Blacks (TCiB) Project

BackgroundAfrican-American men lack knowledge of cancer facts and risk factors, and their personal attitudes and beliefs along with health care system interactions are barriers to cancer prevention. This paper highlights cancer prevention information from men in the Southeastern United States.MethodsThis community-based participatory research project surveyed 12,444 Black adult residents in Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee and in Atlanta and Decatur, Georgia regarding their cancer prevention knowledge, attitudes and practices. A sample (928) of 1407 men's responses was analyzed for education and income differences.ResultsAnalyses found no significant differences in cancer prevention practices between men with high income and high education versus those with lower income and lower education level, but did show significant differences between education and income groups in cancer prevention knowledge and attitudes.ConclusionsIncome and education are not equal predictors of cancer prevention. Direct outreach efforts to black men of low education and income levels may be effective if interventions are tailored to separate socio-economic groups. Clear and thorough information about diseases, including their risks, prevention/detection procedures, treatment and cure are needed within the health care system itself, as well as for patients in the office, clinic, and community in innovative interactions to assist underserved men to increase and improve their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding health promotion.