Knowledge and attitude to prostate cancer screening in a discrete population of doctors in the middle belt region of Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Screening for prostate cancer is fraught with controversies. The lack of agreement makes it imperative for the physician to be equipped with requisite knowledge and attitude towards screening, since it is essential for their patients' informed choice. We evaluated the knowledge and attitude of doctors to prostate cancer screening in the middle belt region of Nigeria. Methods: Self-administeredquestionnaires were distributed to all physicians at a continuing medical education (CME) workshop organized by the Benue State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association in October, 2011 Results: Out of the 68 questionnaires distributed, only 44 were returned. Majority of respondents (79.5%) believed that prostate cancer is a major health problem in Nigeria, 54% believed prostate cancer screening should begin at 40yrs and 59.1% encourage their patients to routinely undergo screening. Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) were considered effective screening tools by 90.9% of respondents. Most of the male respondents (92.1%) will subscribe to a screening test but only 5.3% have had any screening. All the female respondents said they would advise their spouses to take a screening test. Conclusion: Since it is generally agreed by this cohort of physicians that prostate cancer is a public health problem; guidelines are needed to harmonize the divergent views on screening for prostate cancer. 

Keywords: Attitude, Knowledge, Prostate Cancer, Screening.

High Med Res J 2013;13:41-43