Prostate cancer screening knowledge and attitude among male patients

Background Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers around the world, which affects males in their middle age. Screening and early diagnosis of prostate cancer is considered paramount for men’s health. In fact, the main goal of screening is to identify cancer at an early stage to increase the chances of early management, and consequently improve patient outcomes. Assessing patients’ knowledge and attitude toward prostate cancer and its screening is important to identify key areas where interventions can be instituted. Aim The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge and attitude toward prostate cancer screening among male patients. Design A descriptive/exploratory research design was used. Sample A convenient sample of 100 adult male patients with urology problems constituted the study sample. Setting The outpatient clinics in the Urology and Kidney Surgery Hospital affiliated to Assiut University. Tools Three tools were used to collect data as follows: (I) Demographic and medical background data form, (II) prostate cancer knowledge assessment questionnaire; and (III) prostate cancer attitude assessment questionnaire. Results The current study showed that 58% of the study patients showed satisfactory knowledge about prostate cancer and its screening. However, 79% of them showed a negative attitude toward prostate cancer screening. Conclusion The current study concluded that almost half of the study patients had lack of knowledge about prostate cancer and its screening and more than three quarters of them reported a negative attitude regarding prostate cancer screening. Recommendation Raise men’s awareness about prostate cancer and importance of its screening, replication of the current study on a large sample with a different population and a different setting.