Prostate Cancer Smartphone App to Improve Knowledge and Readiness among African American Men in Oklahoma

Adam Alexander, Ph.D., and Jordan Neil, Ph.D., researchers at the TSET Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center are testing the feasibility of a first-of-its-kind smartphone application. The Prostate Cancer Genius App aims to improve prostate cancer knowledge and increase readiness to complete a PSA test.

Prostate cancer incidence and mortality among African American men are on the rise. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is an early detection screening measure for prostate cancer. However, PSA screenings remain lower among African American men. This is partly due to a lack of knowledge about the disease and the screening itself.

This study will provide the opportunity to eliminate barriers and provide preventive healthcare for African American men through a mobile app that is designed to improve prostate cancer knowledge, as well as step-by-step navigation of completing a home-based PSA test for men to opt to screen.

Many men do not feel comfortable talking to a doctor about prostate cancer, let alone having their prostate checked. This study is aimed at helping to learn more about prostate cancer from your smartphone, therefore alleviating some of the anxiety that comes with speaking with a doctor about it.

“Smartphone apps are the future for many healthcare services, and our team believes it has created the ultimate interactive and educational experience for prostate cancer screening,” said Alexander. “The Prostate Cancer Genius App is designed to provide education on prostate cancer and easy access to prostate cancer screening.”

Neil added, “We believe this app will help improve cancer awareness and screening rates in communities severely affected by prostate cancer."

The study will enroll 80 African American men between the ages of 55 and 69 who are not currently up to date with the recommended PSA screening guidelines and live in Oklahoma.

If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about this study, please call (405) 271-5046 to join the waitlist today. You can also email us at HEROES@ouhsc.edu