# Men Moving Forward: A Lifestyle Intervention for African American Prostate Cancer Survivors

> **NIH NIH R01** · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · 2020 · $629,520

## Abstract

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, with highest incidence and lowest
survival observed among African-Americans (AA). Comorbidity burden is higher among AA PC survivors,
which is important given they are more likely to die of comorbid conditions than of PC itself. Additionally, AA
PC survivors report poorer quality of life (QOL) relative to Non-Hispanic white (NHW) survivors. Many factors
drive these differences among which body composition and health behaviors are important, yet modifiable
contributors. In response, mandated survivorship care now includes a focus on healthy lifestyles. Additionally,
the American Cancer Society put forth nutrition and physical activity guidelines to help all cancer survivors
achieve optimal health and QOL. Unfortunately, many survivors are not aware of these guidelines and studies
suggest that AA PC survivors are more likely than NHW survivors to be non-adherent. The combined effects
of poor diet and physical inactivity often result in adverse body composition (i.e, high adiposity, low lean mass)
leading to hormonal changes, along with increased sytemic inflammation and insulin resistance which are
theorized to promote carcinogenesis and chronic diseases. Although, lifestyle interventions report beneficial
results for PC survivors, the inclusion of AA men is critically limited. No large intervention study to date has
targeted AA PC survivors either through recruitment or by tailoring the intervention to meet their needs. We
propose a randomized trial with 200 AA prostate cancer survivors to examine the efficacy of Men Moving
Forward, a six-month community-based lifestyle intervention rooted in the evidence-based Moving Forward
lifestyle intervention originally developed with AA breast cancer survivors, and then adapted in collaboration
with AA PC survivors. Men Moving Forward supports PC survivors in adopting physical activity and eating
patterns that will improve their body composition, bolster QOL and reduce risk for comorbidities and,
potentially, PC recurrence. Study outcomes include body composition (adiposity, lean mass), behavior (diet,
physical activity), and quality of life. We will also explore biomarkers of general health (blood pressure, lipids)
and tumor progression (inflammation, insulin resistance and hormones). This study is novel in its focus on AA
PC survivors, measurement of body composition and exploration of relevant biomarkers. Addtionally, the
study is being conducted in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Recreation system which increases the
potential for program sustainability. We have assembled a highly qualified, multidisciplinary study team,
leveraging our resources and previous intervention strategies that integrate social support and technology to
promote intervention participation and adherence.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9969468
- **Project number:** 5R01CA229546-03
- **Recipient organization:** MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
- **Principal Investigator:** Melinda R Stolley
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $629,520
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9969468

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9969468, Men Moving Forward: A Lifestyle Intervention for African American Prostate Cancer Survivors (5R01CA229546-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9969468. Licensed CC0.

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