Prostate cancer screening among ethnically diverse first-degree relatives of prostate cancer cases

This study examined potential ethnic differences in prostate cancer screening behavior and correlates of screening in an ethnically diverse sample of first-degree relatives of prostate cancer cases.

The California Cancer Registry was used to identify a sample of prostate cancer cases who were contacted and invited to refer male first-degree relatives to the study. Telephone surveys with 1,029 first-degree relatives (354 non-Latino Whites, 228 Latinos, 272 African Americans, 175 Asians) assessed prostate cancer screening behavior and correlates of screening.

Less than half of the participants had received a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test in the past year, with lowest rates observed among Latinos. Factors independently associated with an increased likelihood of the PSA test receipt in the total sample included: prior PSA testing, having a physician recommendation to be screened, and reporting fewer barriers to screening. Being the brother versus the son of the case predicted a higher likelihood of screening for all ethnic groups except for African Americans. In addition, the negative influence of barriers on screening was significantly greater for Latinos compared with Asians.

Although ethnicity was not an independent predictor of screening, ethnic variations were observed in the relationship between some predictors and screening and in the modifiable correlates of screening. Findings may inform future intervention research that aims to enhance informed decision-making regarding prostate cancer screening and ultimately reduce prostate cancer health disparities.