Awareness for prostrate cancer in an occupational setting in Lagos Nigeria

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, exceeded only by lung cancer. Nigeria has the highest concentration of indigenous black patients in the world. The national prostate cancer risk is 2% though the risk in the population is underestimated. The objective of the study was to determine the awareness and utilization of screening for prostrate cancer among male workers in a multinational manufacturing company in Lagos, Nigeria. A self-administered questionnaire was the tool of data collection using a simple random sample in the selection of participants. The questionnaire was administered over a period of two weeks. 200 male workers accepted to participate in the study. Information obtained was related to; Biodata, knowledge and awareness of prostate cancer and screening methods for easy detection. The study revealed a low level of awareness and knowledge of prostate cancer and its screening methods for early detection. Even amongst the 18.5% of those that had heard of the disease, only a little over half of them were actually aware of the disease. Awareness programs should be encouraged as part of an occupational health services for men above the age of 40 years. Routine screening should be incorporated into the health care system. Prostate cancer awareness programs should be incorporated into the media as jingles on radio and skits on television.