Prostate Cancer Awareness Research Articles

Sparing a thought for the prostate.

The author discusses the need for men to take initiative in getting urological tests for prostate cancer screening. Topics explored include the lack of symptoms of early stage prostate cancer, the prevalence of prostate cancer in Great Britain according to the British Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, and the importance of increasing awareness of prostate cancer and men's health.

Developing and implementing a community-based prostate cancer awareness and early detection campaign for hard to reach men

Background: Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer (PCa) than men of other ethnicities, will get it at a younger age, and a more aggressive strain of the disease. The high death rate, due to a large extent that in too many cases it is not diagnosed until it has progressed beyond the curable stage. The initiative will target these men, raise awareness of these risks, support decision making with regards to being tested, and self-care, social, emotional and economic well being.

Prostate cancer awareness survey to proud postcards

ABSTRACTThis paper describes the production and analysis of an informal prostate cancer awareness survey (n = 217), which was conducted in Manchester, UK, in August 2014 by the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Cancer Support Alliance. Data collected from the survey along with anecdotal evidence collected by the researchers was used to produce a series of four “Prostate Cancer Awareness” postcards targeted at gay and bisexual men and trans women, and which could be displayed in public spaces likely to be accessed by these groups. The aim was to raise awareness of key issues picked up by the survey amongst the local population and highlight particular issues which may encourage men or transsexual women to think about the risk of developing prostate cancer, and what their relationship with sexual partners, carers and health care professionals might be following diagnosis and treatment.The postcards were titled: (1) We are struggling to have sex after treatment (2) Are gay men more likely to develop prostate cancer than straight men? (3) Tips for the guys…looking after your G-spot (4) My doctor always asks me about my wife.

Abstract LB-359: Knowledge of prostate cancer and screening attitude of residents of a Nigerian community

Abstract This study assessed the level of awareness and knowledge of prostate cancer amongst the residents of a Nigerian University and its environs. A cross-sectional descriptive study using self-administered questionnaires was carried out among 443 people, aged 20 to 80 residing in Covenant University, Nigeria and its environs. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 15.0. The level of significance was set at p <0.05. The majority (45.1%) of respondents was aged between 31 - 40 years and only 41.3% were aware of the existence of Prostate cancer. Educational background, occupation and religion were observed to significantly increase (p <0.05) awareness of prostate cancer while gender and age did not. The awareness and previous participation in prostate cancer screening negatively (p <0.05) influenced respondents’ decision to participate in future screening. Electronic media via radio and television was the commonest source of awareness for prostate cancer. Only 13.4% became aware through health facility or personnel. Only 30.5% correctly identified the location of the prostate. Most of the respondents identified poor diet and environmental conditions as risk factors while 13.7%, 2.0% and 5.9% identified aging, race and genetics respectively as the causes of prostate cancer. Most of the respondents (31.2%) correctly identified difficult urination as a symptom of prostate cancer. About 30.8% have a relative, family or friend that had prostate cancer out of which 18.5% resulted in deaths. Only one respondent had been previously diagnosed with an enlarged prostate. Majority of the respondents were unaware of a possible cure or therapy. Only 9.9%, of the respondents strongly agreed that prostate cancer was peculiar to all men while a low percentage (4.1%) of respondents strongly agreed that it is a health disparity issue among black men. Over all a very low percentage of 37.9% of the respondents considered prostate cancer to be a serious ailment. The study showed a generally poor knowledge and wrong conceptions about prostate cancer, screening and treatment. This suggests the need for public health education and screening programs on prostate cancer for this population and others. Citation Format: Emeka E.J Iweala, Conrad A. Omonhinmin, Dominic E. Azuh, Isioma J. Okwudi. Knowledge of prostate cancer and screening attitude of residents of a Nigerian community. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-359.

Effects of Testosterone Level on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in older men and are frequently associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The relationship between BPH and endogenous total testosterone (TT) levels has been widely studied. The aim of this post hoc analysis was to determine the association between LUTS and endogenous TT levels in a subset of men participating in the 2013 Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, a U.S. community-based prostate cancer screening program. Men completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) questionnaire, prostate size was estimated by a digital rectal examination, and serum TT and prostate-specific antigen levels were measured. Mean TT levels (ng/dl) did not significantly correlate with prostate size category (r = +.03, p = .69): normal, 419.2 (n = 106); enlarged, 394.7 (n = 71); abnormal, 416.4 (n = 7); and abnormal/suspicious, 515.2 (n = 19). Mean TT levels (ng/dl) did not significantly correlate with I-PSS category (r = -.06, p = .40): none, 468.5 (n = 15); mild, 414.0 (n = 138); moderate, 397.4 (n = 66); and severe, 437.9 (n = 7). Mean TT levels (ng/dl) did not significantly correlate with I-PSS quality of life rating (r = -.13, p = .055): delighted, 474.5 (n = 43); pleased, 424.6 (n = 65); mostly satisfied, 361.2 (n = 63); mixed, 448.2 (n = 29); mostly dissatisfied, 337.2 (n = 17); and unhappy, 435.8 (n = 6). Adjustment for prostate size or prostate-specific antigen levels yielded similar findings. In conclusion, endogenous TT levels did not correlate with LUTS or prostate size, and these findings support the saturation theory in which TT is not able to induce further androgen-stimulated prostate tissue growth due to receptor saturation. Any worsening of LUTS following testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal men may be related to stimulation of prostatic cells previously deprived of testosterone.

Photovoice: a Link between Research and Practice for Prostate Cancer Advocacy in Black Communities

Persisting high rates of prostate cancer incidence and mortality in Black communities have led to the development of many community-based interventions aimed at raising knowledge levels among these communities. There is limited research examining how advocates are reaching out to communities, or how advocates see their work impacting the communities. Using photovoice methods, four self-identified Black prostate cancer advocates were invited to document their experiences through photographs about what advocacy means to them and how they advocate. Meaningful photographs were taken by advocates and accompanied by powerful narratives. The advocates focused their projects on reaching men on their level, advocacy as an active process, and providing insight into the experiences surrounding prostate cancer. These photographs also have potential to be integrated in future outreach interventions. This project promotes further understanding of how these men advocate for prostate cancer awareness within Black and underserved communities, and how the research method of photovoice can be leveraged in future outreach programs and interventions.

Men united: Prostate cancer awareness

To coincide with Prostate Cancer Awareness month in March, we spoke to Prostate Cancer UK specialist nurse Meg Burgess about the disease and how men can be encouraged to seek help

Abstract A39: Profiles, motivations, and networks of prostate cancer advocates in southern black communities

Abstract Black men have the highest number of new cases and mortality rates for prostate cancer: 1.6 and 2.4, respectively when compared to whites (NCI, 2015). Also, black men are more likely to have an advanced stage and grade of prostate cancer at initial presentation. Prostate cancer disparities are a complex problem that needs to be assuaged with complex and multifaceted strategies. Advocates can be one of the many tools used to alleviate the prostate cancer health disparities that are observed today in black communities. While there is no shortage of research being done on black men and prostate cancer, there is a very little research on the work of advocates for prostate cancer awareness in black communities. Advocates are already engaging on different levels with black communities to increase prostate cancer awareness. This research seeks to further illuminate the advocates' efforts and voices, exploring their strategies and approaches. Through the use of qualitative methods, data collection yielded a total of 24 in-depth interviews and 14 ethnographic observations. These expanded methods capture a more nuanced and complex understanding of prostate cancer advocacy. Major findings include (1) the description of the advocates, including their demographics and self-definitions, (2) the interrelated internal and external sources of motivation for their advocacy efforts; and (3) an examination of the complex networks of advocacy that incorporate social networks, organizations, and research and political entities. These insights can help to create and support more effective interventions that are specifically developed for men in black communities. Citation Format: Lauren Rose Gilbert. Profiles, motivations, and networks of prostate cancer advocates in southern black communities. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A39.

Prostate Cancer Knowledge, Prevention, and Screening Behaviors in Jamaican Men.

Screening is the only effective method of reducing prostate cancer mortality. Several reports have documented poor prostate cancer awareness and screening practices in Jamaican men. The Jamaica Cancer Society provides the most organized and largest form of screening in Jamaica and hosts an annual mass screening clinic on Prostate Cancer Awareness Day in September. We sought to determine the knowledge and attitudes towards screening and risks and prevention of prostate cancer. The study represented a cross-sectional analysis of 55 men presenting for screening on Prostate Cancer Awareness Day, September 2014 in Kingston, Jamaica. Information on prostate cancer knowledge and attitudes towards screening was obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaires (The Integrative Model of Prostate Cancer Disparity (PIPCaD). Prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) were obtained from all patients. Mean PSA of participating men was 1.5 ± 1.48ng/ml. Fifteen percent of men surveyed had a family history of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer knowledge was moderate, with at least 84% of men responding correctly to 5 of 10 questions referring to prostate cancer risk and prevention. Most men had a favorable attitude towards screening. Starch formed the major portion of the diet in 68% of men and 35% of men engaged in no physical activity. Jamaican men surveyed have moderate prostate cancer knowledge and a positive attitude towards screening and prostate cancer prevention activities. However, the application of activities for potential prevention of modifiable risk factors is poor.

Meeting the unmet support needs of BME men with prostate cancer.

Men with prostate cancer from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities have reported many unmet information and support needs. A literature review identified the many challenges health professionals face in addressing these unmet needs, and suggested that not enough is known about the psychosocial effects of a prostate cancer diagnosis on men from BME communities in the UK. Affected men may have little or no awareness or knowledge of prostate cancer, receive inadequate information and fear the disease. Nurses can address these issues through improving patients' knowledge and awareness of prostate cancer, providing high-quality information to patients and their families, alleviating fear and promoting survivorship among this minority group; they can also facilitate staff training. Health professionals should look beyond the physical effects and consider the psychosocial effects of such a diagnosis when assessing the needs of these men. Practitioners need to overcome the various challenges to meeting these needs to provide more effective care to men from BME groups.

Abstract A30: Supporting prostate cancer survivor advocacy through community-based participatory research and photovoice methods

Abstract This study examines the utilization of survivor advocates in prostate cancer awareness outreach efforts within the black community. Persisting health disparities exist when it comes to prostate cancer morbidity and mortality for black men compared to white men. There is consensus that an appreciable portion of these disparities persist because of insufficient knowledge about prostate cancer and insufficient access to regular health care. This research project examines black prostate cancer survivors as advocates for prostate cancer awareness and screening education, and more general outreach efforts in black communities. Survivor advocates can not only give insight into the perceptions, beliefs and behaviors of men in the black community, but can also serve as mediators between their communities and the health care system. Because prostate cancer is not experienced by only the men, other stakeholders will be included in the project, such as significant others, family members and health care providers. These views will provide a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between the knowledge, uptake, and subsequent actions of these men. Using a combination of ethnographic observations, in-depth interviews, and photovoice methods in a community based participatory research (CBPR) approach, this qualitative project calls attention to the experiences of survivor advocates, as well as other important stakeholders, allowing for a better understanding of the interplay between the knowledge, uptake, and subsequent actions of these men. By using the CBPR approach and these methods, the project will be culturally sensitive and competent, providing a culturally enriched approach to advocacy and more broadly, addressing the existing health disparities in prostate cancer. Based on the preliminary results and analysis, these survivors have a unique perspective on prostate cancer awareness and screening. Advocacy for prostate cancer awareness is a complex process, involving different approaches and strategies. The men fight against fears associated with prostate cancer, such as homophobia with screening exams, cancer as a death sentence, and possible sexual dysfunction. The advocates dispel these fears and concerns by replacing them with knowledge about early detection, the variety of treatment options, and ways to deal with sexual dysfunction, including emphasizing overall health. They also deal with the feelings of invulnerability when it comes to prostate cancer. The main focus of advocacy is to encourage other men to make informed decisions about prostate cancer. By sharing their own experiences, the advocates are also able to make their messages more relatable for the men. Survivor advocates empower the community by (1) providing a trusted and legitimate voice to the community about sensitive and sometimes confusing topics, and (2) being equal partners in the research through the CBPR approach. Furthermore, advocacy creates an ongoing campaign of prostate cancer awareness and screening education, instead of a single point intervention. By engaging these men and becoming more aware of their motivations and barriers to advocacy, better programs and supports can be created for them with their input. This project will be used as a framework to create an advocacy toolkit and training program. Citation Format: Lauren R. Gilbert. Supporting prostate cancer survivor advocacy through community-based participatory research and photovoice methods. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A30.

Health Literacy in Rural Jamaica: Visual Aides to Assist and Increase Medication Adherence

Similar to many Americans, the people of Jamaica are facing many health issues. Specifically, there are concerns with an ever aging population which continues to grow in size at an astounding rate of 11.3 percent each year [1]. Who will take care of this aging population, what services will be available, and how the elderly will maintain a reasonable quality of life are all questions that are facing Jamaica in the near future People are living longer and with this increase in lifeyears come other concerns such as the cost of care, who will administer the care, and access to care as travel becomes more difficult with increased age. With an acknowledgement of these concerns also comes the realization that many in the rural Jamaican population are illiterate on some level. Health literacy is defined as the extent to which people have the capacity to obtain basic health information; this information is used to make informed decisions about their health. Health literacy is paramount if patients are going to benefit from health care. People who cannot read or understand the high level of grammar associated with healthcare instruments, diagnostic tests, directions and medications for care may experience confusion in negotiating the health care system, and are significantly handicapped in the task of self-care or caring for family members. Individuals with inadequate health literacy compared to those with adequate health literacy knew much less about their chronic diseases [2]. Many solutions have been offered to address the concerns of literacy when it comes to Jamaica’s middle and older aged population [2]. One solution that has been proposed by groups of researchers is that physicians spend more time giving advice to patient ensuring that they are aware of the directions for the medications they are taking. Another solution is the development of culturally sensitive, low-literacy educational materials to improve patient awareness of prostate cancer and the frequency and importance of diagnosis at earlier stages and other chronic diseases [2].

Retraction Note: Knowledge, Attitude, and Prostate Cancer-Screening Experience Among African American Men in Southside Chicago: Intervention Strategy for Risk Reduction Activities

Prostate cancer remains the most common noncutaneous malignancy among men in USA and the leading cause of death among African Americans. Compared with whites and other ethnic groups, men of color have over fourfold increased risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer. This study assessed prostate cancer knowledge, attitude, and prostate cancer-screening experience among African American men in Chicago Southside neighborhoods. A cross-sectional survey of 305 African American men, aged 35 to 75 years, using a 30-item questionnaire was conducted. We collected demographic information, health insurance status, knowledge of the prostate cancer risk factors, sources of information, and individual attitudes toward prostate cancer screening among the subjects. The questionnaire administration involved person-to-person interview technique. Of the 305 respondents in the study, percent age distribution was as follows: 35–39 (0.3 %), 40–49 (12.8 %), 50–59 (40.4 %), 60–69 (36.7 %), and 70–75 (9.8 %). Overall level of knowledge was low and varied with age. Significant differences were observed between age groups on awareness of BPH and prostate cancer (p < 0.001), specific risk factors of prostate cancer (p < 0.001), screening history (p < 0.001), individual attitudes toward prostate cancer screening (p < 0.001), and utilization of prostate cancer-screening experiences among the subjects (p = 0.033). Improved knowledge of prostate cancer, risk reduction activities, and appropriate prostate cancer response among the men is emphasized. Physicians should be more involved in primary prevention, health promotion, and education of their clients toward appropriate health attitude and healthful behavioral change.

MP71-11 URINARY SYMPTOMS AND MEDICATIONS USED IN MEN ATTENDING A NATIONAL HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAM

You have accessJournal of UrologyBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Evaluation and Symptoms1 Apr 2015MP71-11 URINARY SYMPTOMS AND MEDICATIONS USED IN MEN ATTENDING A NATIONAL HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAM Nelson Stone, Wendy Poage, and E. David Crawford Nelson StoneNelson Stone More articles by this author , Wendy PoageWendy Poage More articles by this author , and E. David CrawfordE. David Crawford More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.2624AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES To identify which patient factors are associated with urinary symptom (AUASS) and nocturia severity (NoctSS) and the use of urinary medication in men attending a national health screening program. METHODS 3277 men with a median age of 63 years (IQ 56-69) participated in Prostate Cancer Awareness Week in 2013 and had testosterone (T), prostate specific antigen (PSA), cholesterol (Chol) determinations and completed an extensive screening questionnaire which included life style habits, coexisting diseases, body mass index (BMI), medication (UMED) use and prostate size (BPH) by digital rectal exam. Significant associations were determined by test for variance (ANOVA) for mean T, PSA, Chol and by chi-square (Pearson) for hypogonadal state (T<300 ng/dL), AUASS and NoctSS (0-7, 0-1 minimal-1, 8-19, 2-3 moderate-2, and 20-35, 4-5 severe-3) and medication use. The effect of multiple variables on AUASS and NoctSS were determined by linear regression. RESULTS AUASS and NoctSS were 1: 62.7% and 48.7%, 2: 30.8% and 40.3%, and 3: 6.4% and 11%, respectively. Median PSA was 1.11 ng/ml (IQ 0.62-2.2). AUASS and NoctSS were increased with older age (p<0.001), presence of BPH (p<0.001), HBP (p=0.026), smoking (p=0.001), increased fat intake (p=0.008), and high PSA (p<0.001), respectively. Increased BMI, presence of diabetes, low T or high Chol were not associated with increased symptoms. A history of prostatitis (n=185, 5.9%) was highly associated with AUASS (p<0.001, 12.4% vs 6.1%) but not for nocturia. Linear regression revealed age (p=0.001), PSA (p=0.041). BPH (p<0.001, HR 1.196, 95%CI 0.809-1.583) and prostatitis (p<0.001, HR 2.963, 95% CI 1.531-4.394) as significant for AUASS. For NoctSS age (p=0.001) and BPH (p=0.004) were significant. UMED was reported in 264 (8.4%) and was used 5x and 3.2x more frequently in men with AUASS, and NoctSS 2 and 3, respectively (p<0.001). However, in men with AUASS3 and NoctSS3, 72.4% and 89.05 (p<0.001) did not use UMED. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of moderate to severe urinary symptoms in a screened male population is substantial. 11% of men have nocturia 4-5x/night. An enlarged prostate by DRE and PSA > 2 ng/ml are associated with moderate to severe urinary symptoms and nocturia. A history of prostatitis increases the risk of AUASS by 3-fold. While UMED is utilized more often in symptomatic men, almost 90% of those with severe nocturia are not taking any medication. These data should assist physicians in identifying men with urinary symptoms and warrant further investigation as to why UMED usage is so limited in the most symptomatic individuals. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e915-e916 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Nelson Stone More articles by this author Wendy Poage More articles by this author E. David Crawford More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

A survey of the awareness of prostate cancer and its screening among men attending the outpatient clinics of a tertiary health center in Lagos, Nigeria

Background:Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Nigerian men and the second most common cause of death from cancer in men worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness of prostate cancer among men attending the various outpatients’ clinics of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.Materials and Methods:This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Self-administered structured questionnaires were used to collect information from consecutives patients attending the various outpatient clinics of the hospital.Results:One hundred and forty-six respondents with an age range of 40–80 years participated in this study. Sixty-nine (47.3%) respondents were aware of prostate cancer while 77 (52.7%) have never heard of the disease. Twenty (13.7%) participants were aware of the availability of a screening test for the disease and only 12 (8.2%) have had any form of screening for prostate cancer.Conclusion:There is a low level of awareness of prostate cancer among patients seen at our center and also level of voluntary screening for the disease is low.

Prostate cancer educational intervention among men in western Jamaica.

To conduct and evaluate the impact of a theory-based health education intervention on awareness of prostate cancer and intention to screen among men in Western Jamaica and determine screening rates of men participating in the intervention at 6 months post-intervention. 454 men utilizing various clinics and hospitals in Western Jamaica completed an interviewer-administered pretest survey on general prostate cancer knowledge and intention to screen. Upon completing the pretest, participants observed a prostate cancer health education intervention and immediately completed a posttest survey. Statistically significant improvements in the percentage of correct responses between the pretest and posttest were evident (p < 0.05). Additionally, screening rates increased dramatically by 6 months post-intervention with over 33% of men receiving a prostate exam after participating in the educational intervention. The theory-based educational intervention increased participants' knowledge of prostate cancer, types of screening tests, frequency of screenings and risk factors and symptoms, and was effective in increasing screening rates among the men in Western Jamaica within 6 months post-intervention. This theory-based educational intervention may be replicated to promote awareness of prostate cancer and further increase screening rates in other areas of Jamaica and other developing countries.

Knowledge, Attitude and Screening Behaviour of Benue State University Male Students towards Prostate Cancer Awareness

The study investigated the influence of knowledge, attitude and screening behaviour of Benue State University Male Students towards prostate cancer awareness. Five research questions and research hypotheses guided the study

Update on prostate cancer in black men within the UK.

There is a wealth of evidence which can be traced back to the African transatlantic slave trade indicating that black men have a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to other ethnic groups. Migration to Westernised countries may have had little effect on the incidence of prostate cancer in this ethnic group; however, current evidence indicates that there are several complex factors that may contribute to this risk.Studies in the UK quote that black men are at 2–3 times the risk of prostate cancer in comparison to their Caucasian counterparts, with a 30% higher mortality rate. Caution should be taken prior to the interpretation of these results due to a paucity of research in this area, limited accurate ethnicity data, and lack of age-specific standardisation for comparison. Cultural attitudes towards prostate cancer and health care in general may have a significant impact on these figures, combined with other clinico-pathological associations.This update summarises new contributory research on this subject, highlighting the need to increase awareness and understanding of prostate cancer amongst high-risk communities and to support further robust research in this area by nominating a lead in cancer and ethnicity studies within the National Health Service.

Information gathering and technology use among low-income minority men at risk for prostate cancer.

Health communication researchers, public health workers, and health professionals must learn more about the health information-gathering behavior of low-income minority men at risk for prostate cancer in order to share information effectively with the population. In collaboration with the Milwaukee Health Department Men's Health Referral Network, a total of 90 low-income adult men were recruited to complete a survey gauging information sources, seeking behavior, use of technology, as well as prostate cancer awareness and screening behavior. Results indicated participants primarily relied on health professionals, family, and friends for information about general issues of health as well as prostate cancer. The Internet was the least relied on source of information. A hierarchical regression indicated interpersonal information sources such as family or friends to be the only significant predictor enhancing prostate cancer awareness, controlling for other sources of information. Prostate screening behaviors were predicted by reliance on not only medical professionals but also the Internet. Practical implications of the study are discussed.

Pre-Screening Age African-American Males: What Do They Know About Prostate Cancer Screening, Knowledge, and Risk Perceptions?

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and the second most common cause of cancer mortality among men in America. African-American men have a mortality rate from prostate cancer twice that of Caucasian men. Although prostate screening remains controversial, it provides an opportunity for the cancer to be detected early when treatment is most effective. Limited research has been conducted regarding prostate cancer awareness and knowledge among African-American men under 50. This article highlights a pilot study assessing the knowledge, attitudes, risk perceptions, and reasons for participating in prostate cancer screening among African-American males between the ages of 30–45. Study findings suggest these participants recognized an awareness of risk factors associated with the disease, yet underestimated their risk of developing the disease. Additionally they present uneven knowledge of the prostate and its function and possess positive perceptions of their general health beliefs and practices. Practice implications and directions for future research regarding prostate cancer among this population are highlighted.