Using a Community-Embedded Screening and Navigation Framework to Engage High-Risk Men in Prostate Cancer Early...

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. Black men experience the highest incidence and mortality and are more likely to be diagnosed at younger ages and with more advanced or aggressive disease. Because survival outcomes differ substantially by stage at diagnosis, community-based approaches that support early detection are needed. This paper describes the development and five-year evolution of the Men's Health Awareness Summit (MHAS), a community-led initiative in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic through an academic-community partnership. MHAS combines culturally resonant education, survivor testimony, no-cost on-site PSA screening, and operational pathways for communicating results and facilitating referrals. Drawing on five consecutive summits, we synthesize practice-based implementation lessons related to (1) community governance; (2) actionable programming, results communication, and referral processes; (3) venue selection and community embedding; (4) outreach and word-of-mouth amplification; and (5) low-burden tracking paired with financial stewardship. We conceptualize these elements as a community-embedded screening and navigation framework and outline components that may support adaptation in other settings and screening contexts to strengthen equitable access to early detection, results communication, referral, and follow-up scheduling.