Prostate Cancer Screening and Dietary Heterocyclic Amines in African American Men

OBJECTIVES:

- Estimate dietary heterocyclic amine (HA) exposure in African American men who use
HA-forming meats and cooking methods.

- Correlate dietary HA exposure with prostate-specific antigen and digital rectal exam
screening results (i.e., higher HA exposure with increased abnormality in prostate
cancer screening results) in these participants.

OUTLINE: This is a prospective study.

Participants complete a routine medical questionnaire and undergo a detailed dietary
interview that focuses on meat consumption, cooking preferences, and other factors that may
be associated with prostate cancer risk. Participants then undergo a digital rectal exam
(DRE) and blood collection for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing (total PSA and % free
PSA). Results of PSA testing and DRE, including follow-up instructions (if needed), are sent
to the participant 3-4 weeks later.

Blood samples are also examined by phenotypic assays for UV-damage induced nucleotide
excision-repair capacity.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 800 participants will be accrued for this study.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- African American male

- No previous diagnosis of prostate cancer

- Desires prostate cancer screening as a routine preventative medical service

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

- Lives in or near Oakland, California

- Speaks English

- No medical or other disability (e.g., blindness, psychological dysfunction, or
amputation) that would preclude study participation

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

- Not specified