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Cues to action in prostate cancer screening
1Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Kansas City, MO.
Oncology Nursing Forum
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Prostate cancer screening participation is influenced by appointment reminders, family history, and promotions. Age did not significantly alter the impact of these cues on men
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Public Health
- Health Promotion
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a significant health concern for men.
- Effective strategies are needed to increase participation in prostate cancer screening programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors influencing men's decisions to undergo prostate cancer screening.
- To examine how age affects the perceived importance of these influencing factors.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory survey was conducted with 127 men participating in a community prostate cancer screening program.
- Participants completed a questionnaire rating various cues to action for screening.
- Data were analyzed to compare cue ratings between age groups (under 70 and 70+).
Main Results:
- The most influential cues for prostate cancer screening were appointment scheduling, reminder cards, a family history of cancer, and newspaper advertisements.
- No significant differences in the perceived importance of these cues were found between men younger than 70 and those 70 or older.
Conclusions:
- Community prostate cancer screening programs should utilize reminder cards, specific appointments, and newspaper promotions.
- Having a family member or friend diagnosed with cancer may increase men's likelihood of participating in screening.
- Nurses can promote screening by educating patients and families and implementing targeted promotional strategies.