Do women have a role in early detection of prostate cancer? - Lessons from a qualitative study

Prostate cancer is the most common internal cancer in Australian men; more than 3000 men die annually from it. Public awareness of prostate cancer is an important factor in early detection and treatment. Women are known to act as 'health managers' for their families and may have a role to play in early detection.

To describe community perceptions of prostate cancer and identify information needs within the Australian context.

A qualitative study using focus group and individual interviews with 44 community volunteers, 18 men with recent diagnosis of prostate cancer and nine of their wives/partners (n=71).

Men in the community are poorly informed about prostate cancer, prefer to ignore (male) health issues, and expect their general practitioners to provide authoritative advice on testing for prostate cancer. While women are also poorly informed, they are keen to change the prevailing situation of silence and lack of information in the community, and need to be included in public education campaigns.