Skip to Content

The Prostate Outreach Project (POP) Mobil Unit

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center POP is a community-based education and early prostate cancer detection program initially established in two underserved primarily African American communities in June 2003. Community sites were selected to recruit those African American men that were more likely to be indigent and could most benefit from program services.

The program is sponsored via a Congressional allocation, as well as funds administered via The University Cancer Foundation of M. D. Anderson, the Prostate Cancer Research Program and the Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences. Dr. Curtis Pettaway of the Department of Urology serves as the program director. Our goal is to impact prostate cancer mortality among underserved African Americans. However, at community events all men seeking our services who fall within program guidelines are able to participate. POP participants are invited to undergo free prostate cancer education and testing as well as to receive quality care and follow-up of urologic test results. A collaborative relationship exists with Lyndon Baines Johnson Hospital (Harris County Hospital District) to assist in the care of men who are uninsured. 

Program Goals

  1. Clinical – To provide free prostate cancer early detection services and access to follow-up in a primarily underserved African American population in the Harris County, Texas, area.
  2. Research – To increase the body of knowledge with respect to underserved African Americans concerning prevention, detection and treatment of prostate cancer in order to improve quality of care among African American men with prostate cancer.
  3. Education – To promote prostate cancer awareness and education among underserved African American communities in Harris county area.
  4. Prevention – To increase the awareness of prostate cancer prevention methods and opportunities among African American males.

Requirements for Mobile Screenings

  • Register participants at least three weeks prior to the screening date (see sign-up sheet linked below)
  • Provide adequate space for education session (class room setting to view video and complete paper work)
  • Provide safe and clear parking for the mobile unit (three to four parking spaces)
  • Provide at least one volunteer to be on site the day of the screening
  • Bilingual volunteer (if applicable)

To request a prostate screening for your community event, contact Pamela Roberson at 713-792-4639.


© 2009 The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center