Request for participants

Researchers at the VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Medicine are looking at the link between mood symptoms and prostate cancer screening among United States veterans.

I am writing to ask male veterans who have never been diagnosed with prostate cancer to complete an online research survey.  We would like to learn more about factors that affect men’s attitudes towards prostate cancer screening.

 In the study, you will not be asked to give any information that would identify you. Your participation is entirely anonymous. We will not contact you after you have completed the survey. You will not be asked to buy anything.  You will not be asked to sign up for any membership. You are only being asked to complete the on-line survey and nothing else.

 If you decide to take part, you will be asked questions about:

·        Prostate cancer

·        Your history of prostate cancer screening

·        The degree to which you feel at risk of getting prostate cancer

·        Pros and cons of prostate cancer screening

·        Your current emotions

·        Your degree of trust in your doctors

 The survey takes about 30 minutes. If you agree to participate, please fill out the entire survey.  However, you may quit and end your participation at any time. The survey can be completed online at:  https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?SID=131118

 There will be no cost to you for doing this survey. Although there is no direct benefit to you, the information you provide may help us improve veterans’ medical care.  Once the study is complete, we plan to share our findings with this organization.

 If you have any questions, please e-mail me at erin.ulloa2@va.gov.

 Thank you for thinking about completing this survey. Doing research can give veterans a voice in issues that affect their life.  Please share this survey with other veterans who would be willing to help us understand the health of US veterans.