Photovoice: a Link between Research and Practice for Prostate Cancer Advocacy in Black Communities

Persisting high rates of prostate cancer incidence and mortality in Black communities have led to the development of many community-based interventions aimed at raising knowledge levels among these communities.

There is limited research examining how advocates are reaching out to communities, or how advocates see their work impacting the communities. Using photovoice methods, four self-identified Black prostate cancer advocates were invited to document their experiences through photographs about what advocacy means to them and how they advocate. Meaningful photographs were taken by advocates and accompanied by powerful narratives. The advocates focused their projects on reaching men on their level, advocacy as an active process, and providing insight into the experiences surrounding prostate cancer. These photographs also have potential to be integrated in future outreach interventions. This project promotes further understanding of how these men advocate for prostate cancer awareness within Black and underserved communities, and how the research method of photovoice can be leveraged in future outreach programs and interventions.

Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities. 2016 Apr 29 [Epub ahead of print]

Lauren R Gilbert

Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law, University of Florida, P.O. Box 117330, 3219 Turlington Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7330, USA.