6029.0: Thursday, November 16, 2000 - 8:45 AM

Abstract #7072

Key factors that men consider when deciding about personal involvement in prostate specific antigen screening for prostate cancer

Shawna L. Mercer, PhD1, Vivek Goel, MD, MSc2, Fredrick D. Ashbury, PhD3, J. Ivan Williams, PhD4, and Harvey A. Skinner, PhD, CPsych1. (1) Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto, c/o Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, G-106, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada, (416)-480-4055 x. 3867, shawna@ices.on.ca, (2) Department of Health Administration, University of Toronto, McMurrich Building, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada, (3) Department of Oncology, McGill University, c/o PICEPS Consultants, Inc, 25 Balsdon Crescent, Whitby, ON L1P 1L5, Canada, (4) Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, University of Toronto, G-106, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada

Advocates and opponents of prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer recommend that men be informed of potential risks and benefits. The purpose of this study was to facilitate development of educational tools by exploring men's perspectives and decisions about whether PSA screening would be right for them personally. One-on-one, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were held with a purposive random sample of 25 men aged 55-69. Detailed information about prostate cancer and screening was presented. Participants discussed how this information affected their interest in testing. Data were analyzed using thematic analyses.

Participants were grouped into those who: wanted a PSA screening test (15/25); were not sure (or would follow their doctor's advice) (6/25); or would not want a test (4/25). Ten themes were identified that participants considered when deciding about personal involvement in PSA screening and about which men who came to different decisions held different perspectives: 1) the importance and role of knowledge gained through PSA screening; 2) viewing PSA screening as a simple test versus a multi-step process; 3) beliefs regarding inaccuracies and uncertainties of PSA screening; 4) the importance of early detection and the role of symptoms; 5) PSA screening as engendering peace of mind versus anxiety; 6) perceived benefits for self and others of personal participation; 7) responsibility for one's health care; 8) perceived susceptibility to prostate cancer; 9) perceived severity of prostate cancer; and 10) beliefs regarding mass PSA screening. This presentation will help educators recognize different ways men may interpret the information they receive.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

  1. Recognize the likely effects, in terms of demand for prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening, that will result from presenting men with balanced information regarding the potential risks and benefits of PSA screening.
  2. Identify 10 themes that men consider when deciding about personal involvement in PSA screening, and about which men who come to different decisions hold different perspectives.
  3. Anticipate the different ways men may interpret information related to these 10 themes depending upon whether the men would: want a PSA screening test, are not sure, or would not want a test.

Keywords: Cancer Screening, Public Health Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: N/A
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA