Awareness, perceived risk and screening practices of prostate cancer among men aged 45 years and above in Kijura, Masindi District

Abstract

Introduction: The global burden of cancer continues to rise with increasing incidence and mortality rates. Screening has been stated to improve the prognosis especially when the disease is captured at its early stages and necessary treatment initiated. Objectives: This study was therefore carried out to assess awareness, perceived risk and screening practices for prostate cancer in males aged 45 years and above in Kijura trading center, Masindi district. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. 101 participants were recruited using a consecutive sampling and all of them were interviewed using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire in Runyoro or English. The data was entered, sorted, cleaned and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 Results: There were more men aged 51 years and below than those above 51 years. The main source of information about prostate cancer was the sick relatives or any other sick person (43.6%). Health workers contributed only 11.9% as a source of information. 39.6% of the participant perceived themselves to be at risk of getting prostate cancer. Only 4% of the participants had ever screened for prostate cancer and the reasons for screening was because they had started showing symptoms. Conclusion: Despite high awareness levels and moderate risk perception, the screening practices among this population was poor. Recommendations: Health worker be largely involved in providing information. Screening services should be made available in rural populations.