A call to intensify prostate cancer education and screening in Africa: a case study of Ghana

Abstract

ABSTRACT Prostate cancer (PCa) is regarded as one of the most common forms of cancer and has recorded high mortality globally. However, lower mortality rates are reported in advanced countries due to early PCa detection and treatment. In developing countries such as Ghana, most PCa victims are diagnosed in the late stage of the disease with poor prognosis. Using a quantitative approach, this study assessed PCa awareness, knowledge, and screening practices considering 423 men aged at least 30 years. We found that the majority of respondents (85.8%) were aware of PCa. About half (52.5%) of the respondents interviewed were deemed to have adequate knowledge of PCa considering our at least 4/8 criterion. Highest educational level and occupation of respondents were found to be significantly associated with awareness and knowledge of PCa. Only, 10.2% of the respondents had ever screened for PCa. Participants with adequate knowledge on PCa had 4.99 times (95% CI = 1.78–13.97) the odds of screening for PCa compared to those with inadequate knowledge. Lack of education on PCa and fear of the unknown were the most reported barriers to prostate cancer screening. There is the need for deliberate and well-tailored dissemination of male reproductive health information regarding PCa from formal sources such as health professionals most especially health educators and promotors through the mass media.