Prostate Screening Practices Among Male Staff of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the second most common male cancer and the second leading cause of cancer related death in the world. In Nigeria it is the most common male cancer constituting 11-12% of all male cancers. In most developing countries, prostate cancer screening is not widespread and men’s knowledge of the disease and screening methods for early detection is limited. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of prostate cancer screening among male staff of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study using self-administered questionnaires was carried out among 250 randomly selected male staff members of the University of Lagos aged 30 to >60 years. Data analysis was done using EPI-INFO version 2007 software statistical package. Categorical variables in groups were compared using the chi-square test. The level of significance was set at p <0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 47.4±6 years. Overall, 164 (66%) were aware of prostate cancer and 145 (58%) were aware of prostate cancer screening methods. The commonest method known by these respondents was serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing (59.3%). Only 71 (28.4%) respondents had undergone prostate cancer screening and the commonest reason for screening was on the recommendation of their doctor (47.9%). Of those who did not undergo testing, 32.4% were not aware of the test and in 30.2% of cases their doctor did not recommend it. Conclusion: This study revealed that although the respondents were aware of prostate cancer screening, few had taken the test. Because there is insufficient scientific evidence for the justification of screening in all men, the authors recommend that informed decision making should guide a decision to obtain screening for prostate cancer. This means that men should talk with their doctors to learn the nature and risks of prostate cancer, understand the benefit and risks of screening and decide whether prostate cancer screening is right for them.