Understanding Drivers of Prostate Cancer Screening in Mexican-Origin Men Along the U.S./Mexico Border Region.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Public Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends individualized prostate cancer (PCa) screening decisions for men aged 55-69.
• Hispanic men are less likely than non-Hispanic Whites to undergo PCa screening, with limited understanding of Mexican-origin men's specific barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Mexican-origin men's perceptions of barriers to prostate cancer (PCa) screening.
• To characterize their knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and experiences regarding PCa screening.

Main Methods:

• Community-based participatory research approach.
• Conducted semistructured interviews with 20 Mexican-origin men (5 with PCa history, 15 without) in Yuma County, Arizona.

Main Results:

• Men identified genetic predisposition as a primary cause of PCa but highly endorsed screening.
• PCa screening is perceived as a taboo subject and a threat to manhood.
• Systemic barriers include lack of health insurance, high medical costs, and transportation issues.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive interventions to address individual and social factors influencing PCa screening.
• Multifaceted approaches are crucial to increase PCa screening rates among Mexican-origin men.