Health Professionals' Perceptions about Prostate Cancer-A Focus Group Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant cause of mortality in Portugal, with known risk factors including age and genetics.
• The influence of lifestyle on PCa development and progression is often underestimated.
• Understanding health professionals' perspectives is key to improving PCa prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore general practitioners' and urologists' perceptions of prostate cancer risk factors.
• To identify perceived roles of lifestyle factors in prostate cancer.
• To gather insights on screening, diagnosis, and treatment methods for prostate cancer.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study involving three focus groups (FG) with 21 general practitioners and urologists.
• Videoconference interviews were conducted between February and April 2023.
• Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from the discussions.

Main Results:

• Participants discussed general PCa perceptions, risk factors, nutrition, physical activity, alcohol, smoking, and sexual health.
• While acknowledging the importance of healthy lifestyles for PCa outcomes, participants did not specify concrete preventive lifestyle factors.
• Challenges were noted in promoting lifestyle changes, especially for older adults.
• Interest in non-invasive screening methods like biomarkers and alternative treatments was expressed.

Conclusions:

• Health professionals perceive the need for lifestyle modifications in PCa management but lack specific guidance on actionable factors.
• Further research is essential to establish clear correlations between lifestyle and PCa.
• There is a need to enhance health professionals' ability to encourage healthier lifestyles and explore innovative screening and treatment options to reduce side effects and improve patient outcomes.