Prostate cancer testing: behaviour, motivation and attitudes among Western Australian men

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Abstract
Objective To estimate the proportion of Western Australian men aged 40–80 years who had been tested for prostate cancer, their experiences of screening and perception of its benefit. Design and setting Cross‐sectional survey (random telephone survey) of Western Australian men conducted in February 1998. Participants 400 men aged 40–80 years from 670 eligible households (60% response rate from contactable households with eligible men). Main outcome measures Proportion of respondents tested for prostate cancer (by prostate‐specific antigen [PSA] test or digital rectal examination); reasons for having been tested; information provided by the doctor before testing; reasons given for and beliefs about the benefits of testing. Results Of 391 asymptomatic men, 220 (56%) recalled having been tested for prostate cancer and 167 (43%) had had a PSA test. Of those tested, 86% had their first test in the previous five years. The two most common reasons for testing were media publicity and general practitioner recommendation. Thirty‐eight per cent of men tested during the previous five years reported that the doctor did not discuss the “pros and cons” of the test; 39% reported a discussion of less than five minutes' duration; 17% were given printed information before undergoing the test for the first time. Half were “very convinced” of the benefits of testing for prostate cancer. Conclusions Men are being tested for prostate cancer with minimal pretest counselling or written information.