Abstract 972: Mythbusters: Cancer research in jeopardy

In the United States, less than 5% of eligible adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials. Lack of information and commonly held beliefs or myths are among the biggest barriers to enrollment in cancer clinical trials. Additionally, traditional methods of education can be intimidating, frightening or even boring and the most difficult time to educate patients about cancer clinical trials is at the time of diagnosis. Thus, there is a need to develop novel strategies to educate individuals and the community about clinical trials prior to a cancer diagnosis. The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Patient Advocacy Program and the Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association collaborated to develop and deliver an innovative, interactive pilot program aimed at dispelling myths commonly associated with cancer clinical trials. Patient advocates, researchers, and clinicians scripted and participated in a “Jeopardy” game show format to provide factual information in a relaxed and entertaining environment. For a community audience of 50, a response to each myth was surveyed electronically prior to the presentation. After the preliminary response of audience members was noted, an expert clarified each myth by presenting factual information. After the presentation of ten myths, a post-test was administered to assess changes in knowledge. We found that audience knowledge was significantly increased by 20%. 96% of audience members indicated that the game show format was an effective method for learning. 87% indicated that they would discuss cancer clinical trials with family, friends or co-workers. We conclude that “Mythbusters: Cancer Research in Jeopardy” is an effective learning tool and significantly increases community knowledge about cancer clinical trials. The results of this pilot will provide a model for effective community education and may ultimately impact participation in cancer clinical trials. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 972.