Knowledge of hereditary prostate cancer among high-risk African American men.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To measure knowledge of hereditary prostate cancer in a group of high-risk African American men. DESIGN Cross-sectional, correlational pilot study. SETTING Four geographic sites: Detroit, MI; Houston, TX; Chicago, IL; and Columbia, SC. SAMPLE 79 men enrolled in the African American Hereditary Prostate Cancer Study. METHODS Telephone interviews. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Knowledge of hereditary prostate cancer. FINDINGS Knowledge of hereditary prostate cancer was low. CONCLUSIONS The high percentage of incorrect responses on questions that measure genetic testing, prevention, and risk based on a positive family history highlights educational needs. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING A critical need exists for nurses to educate high-risk African American men about hereditary prostate cancer.