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 ± 1.48 ng/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.