Men’s knowledge about prostate câncer

Knowledge about prostate câncer

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of men over 40 years old about prostate cancer. Methods: Descriptive, exploratory and quantitative study, carried out with 100 men living in a municipality in the North of Mato Grosso. Men over 40 years of age and who did not have training in the health field were included. Data collection took place between January and July 2023 and was carried out in nine Basic Health Units with the application of a questionnaire with sociodemographic questions and about prostate cancer. Data were tabulated using Microsoft Excel with relative and absolute frequency analysis. Results: the age of 40-50 years prevailed 45% (n=45), with complete primary education 50% (n=50), married 60% (n=60) and with 1 to 2 children 53% (n=53). Regarding prostate cancer, no participant had the disease and some reported a family history, 30% (n=30). In terms of knowledge, the majority know what prostate cancer is 85% (n=85), know that it is fatal 80% (n=80), know that it has early detection
and prevention 82% (n=82) and recognize signs and symptoms 70% (n=70). However, most of them never had prostate specific antigen tested, 79% (n=79) and none had a rectal exam. The main difficulties in preventing prostate cancer are transportation, time and fear. Conclusion: although men have knowledge about prostate cancer, there is still stigma regarding preventive measures and performing rectal exams. A deconstruction of prejudice is suggested to improve adherence to prevention and early detection.