Fact or Myth? Black Patients Do Not Want to Participate in Clinical Trials

Introduction: To assess strategies for optimizing participation of underserved minorities in a blood-based early colorectal cancer detection test study (PREEMPT CRC; NCT04369053) at a hospital serving primarily Black individuals.

Methods: Culturally sensitive, racially congruent research staff approached individuals undergoing average-risk screening colonoscopy. Consent/study procedures were synchronized with clinical appointments. Enrolled and not-enrolled patient characteristics were compared. Recruitment was compared with other study sites.

Results: In total, 247 of 509 eligible individuals were enrolled; most were identified as Black (88.7%). No baseline characteristics were associated with participation. Recruitment was high compared with other sites (11th centile).

Discussion: Recruitment barriers for Black individuals can be overcome when easy, culturally sensitive access is facilitated.