Prostate cancer awareness, knowledge, and perception of screening among men aged 40–70 in the Belize district

Abstract

This study examined the awareness, knowledge, and perception of prostate cancer screening among men aged 40–70, with a view to cancer prevention programs, and it provides baseline data that could be used to inform the design, development, and implementation of education and prevention programs aimed at building awareness of prostate cancer and the importance of early detection. A descriptive research design was used for the study. Data were collected from 625 men aged 40–70 in the Belize district using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23, and frequency tables, percentages, and means were used to present the results in tables. The majority of the men were aware of prostate cancer and had a good knowledge of the disease but a poor perception of prostate cancer screening. Approximately 81% of the respondents indicated that they did not screen for prostate cancer due to fear of the procedure (55%) or fear the doctor might find prostate cancer (56%). Early detection and treatment of prostate cancer is important for reducing mortalities in men. Despite showing good knowledge of prostate cancer, the majority of men surveyed were afraid of screening for prostate cancer. A campaign to sensitize men on the need for screening is important for early prostate cancer detection in Belize.