Prostate cancer screening perceptions, knowledge and behaviors among African American men: focus group findings

The purpose of the study was to explore, using focus groups, the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and behavior of African American men concerning prostate cancer and screening for the disease using the prostate specific antigen and the digital rectal examination. Twelve focus groups (n=104) were conducted among African American men 40 years of age and older, residing in three counties in the metropolitan area of Baltimore, Maryland. The results of the study show various barriers to screening among the target population, which include limited knowledge about the disease, lack of access to screening services, embarrassment and fear of a positive diagnosis. Additional barriers reported were distrust of medical professionals and the government, reluctance to talk about sex-related health problems, complacency about the possibility of having the disease, and belief that prostate cancer is related to sexual behavior. Positive beliefs, hope, and familiarity with the disease were enabling factors for prostate cancer screening. The focus groups served to open doors to communities from the research and medicine world, and heightened awareness of prostate cancer.