Recruitment and retention of minority women in cancer screening, prevention, and treatment trials

Researchers are giving greater attention to the recruitment and retention of minority women in clinical studies because of their historical underrepresentation, despite their greater morbidity and mortality for many conditions. Using findings from four studies, this article examines documented barriers to the recruitment and retention of minority women to clinical cancer research and discusses effective recruitment strategies. Among the major barriers to recruitment were lack of awareness, lack of transportation, interference with work/family responsibilities, financial costs, negative side effects, and burdensome procedures. Effective recruitment strategies focused on using culturally targeted mass mailings and media presentations based on acquiring an understanding of the minority community. Recommendations are made for further study and implementation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.