You are being invited to take part in a research project. Before you decide whether to take part, it is important for you to understand why the research is being undertaken and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others, if you would like to.

Thank you for reading this.

What is the purpose of this research project?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Black men, as well men with a family history of prostate cancer, have the highest risk of all men. Diagnosis rates remain low in this group of men. Reasons for this are not clear, although awareness of risk might stop men visiting their GP. This study will start to look at new ways to share risk messages between black men; using a WhatsApp group led by someone in your community, as well as looking at the type of messages you would like to receive. A member of your community is part of the research team and is working with us to set up the WhatsApp group.

The aims of this research are to:

1. Find out if using a WhatsApp group is suitable for sharing prostate cancer risk messages,
2. Find out what you think of the messages you were sent about your risk for prostate cancer and what you would like to read.

Why have I been invited to take part?

You have been invited to take part in this study because you:

• Are in the same community as the person setting up the WhatsApp group
• Are also of Somali or African Caribbean heritage
• Are Male aged over 45 years
• Have access to WhatsApp

Do I have to take part?

No, your participation in this research project is entirely voluntary and it is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you decide to take part, we will discuss the research project with you and ask you to sign a consent form. If you decide not to take part, you do not have to explain your reasons and it will not affect your legal rights.

What will taking part involve?

You will be asked to complete a questionnaire online. You will be sent a link to the questionnaire once you sign the consent form. The questionnaire will remain confidential, and we will not be able to identify you. You can complete the questionnaire in your own time. You will be asked what you think about the message you receive on WhatsApp and what you think about receiving a WhatsApp message about prostate cancer from a member of your community. You will also be asked if you use your mobile phone or computer to look up information about health. The survey will take [add time here] to complete.

At the very end of the questionnaire, you will be asked if you would like to take part in a conversation to help us understand in more detail your experience of using WhatsApp for sharing prostate cancer risk information in this study. Also, what you thought about the message you received. You can choose to complete the questionnaire but not take part in the conversation, this is up to you. You don't have to do this.

Will I be paid for taking part?

You will not be paid for taking part in this research. You should understand that any information you give in the questionnaire and/or interview will be as a gift and you will not benefit financially in the future should this research project lead to the development in how we share messages about prostate cancer risk.

What are the possible benefits of taking part?

You will receive a message about your risk for prostate cancer that you might not have known about, and this might mean you have more knowledge. You will also be helping to find the best way of sharing this information that could benefit other men in your community.

What are the possible risks of taking part?

You may become more aware of your risk for prostate cancer and have questions about this. If this does happen, we have set-up a contact with the Specialist Nurses at Prostate Cancer UK, who will be able to answer your questions. The phone number is 0800 074 83883, email and WhatsApp links are here: Prostate Cancer UK Specialist Nurses

Will my taking part in this research project be kept confidential?

All information collected from (or about) you during the research project will be kept confidential and any personal information you provide will be managed in accordance with data protection legislation.

What will happen to my Personal Data?

Cardiff University is the Data Controller and is committed to respecting and protecting your personal data in accordance with your expectations and Data Protection legislation.

Who is organising and funding this research project?

The research is organised by Dr Sarah Fry at the School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University. The research is funded by Cancer Research UK.

Who has reviewed this research project?

This research project has been reviewed and given a favourable opinion by the School of Healthcare Science Research Ethics Committee, Cardiff University.

Further information and contact details

Should you have any questions relating to this research project, you may contact us during normal working hours:

• Dr. Sarah Fry on [study mobile phone here] or on frys4@cardiff.ac.uk

Thank you for considering taking part in this research project. If you decide to participate, you will be given a copy of the Participant Information Sheet and a signed consent form to keep for your records.