Abstract
Introduction: The major risk factors for developing prostate cancer are age, African American (AA) race, and family history. AA men have greater burden of incidence and mortality from this disease. The purpose of the study was to examine factors associated with recent prostate cancer screening using DRE and PSA among a sample of AA men.
Methods: Data were collected on AA men, age 40 or older, living in the Southeastern U.S. (n=448). The study used a convenience sample. Men were asked questions about their knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding prostate cancer and prostate cancer screening using DRE and PSA. Data were self‐reported survey responses and analyzed using SAS.
Results: Most study participants were married (52%) and had some college or technical training (78%). The percentage of AA men who had undergone PSA testing or a DRE in the past two years (recent) was 41% and 39% respectively. Factors associated with a recent screening test with PSA and DRE were doctor recommendation, older age, and having some type of health insurance. An additional factors associated with a recent screening with DRE was self‐reporting excellent health.
Conclusions: The percentage of AA men who reported either PSA or DRE appears to be lower than found in other studies. However, doctor recommendation and health insurance were the most important modifiable correlates for screening compliance. Getting men to go to the doctor and having meaningful discussions about prostate cancer may help men as they make decisions about prostate cancer screening. Further studies are needed to further explore how health insurance status may modify the relationship between doctor recommendation and prostate cancer screening.
Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A96.
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