Consumer information on prostate cancer screening

Tags: Poster
Reading R, Borland R, Clarke V, Hill D, Giles G

Introduction: The rate of screening for prostate cancer has been rising significantly in recent years. There is a great deal of ignorance. misunderstanding, confusion and conflicting claims In relation to prostate cancer, but the magnitude of problems in the community arising from this confusion has not been quantified. The issues are mainly focused on whether, who how, and when to screen for prostate cancer, and an the appropriate management of prostate disease. Men who simply follow professional advice could be managed in vastly different ways. depending upon which doctor they consult. A good consumer education program is required. Given the different recommendations of professional groups, it is important that consumers understnd the issues and make Informed decisions about screening or, if symptomatic, the way their condition is managed.

Objective: The Objectives of Stage 1 are to ascertain the current state of knowledge in the areas of screening for prostate Cancer and information provision to consumers, to obtain baseline data in relation to the level of demand for prostate cancer screening, to ascertain if general practitioners will support and participate in the project and to identify other relevant initiatives being undertaken in this am. These objectives will be achieved by undertaking a literature review, a survey of general practitioners and an activities scan.

The objectives of Stage 2 are to produce a valid tested guide for consumers and a costed Proposal for wide dissemination of this guide. This will be achieved by undertaking a study of consumer knowledge, attitudes and experience relevant to prostate cancer followed by the development and the pre-testing of a consumer guide, The consumer study will involve, two samples of men aged 50-75 - a representative sample and a sample of male doctors, as a bench mark for estimating achievable levels of public understanding of the complex issues relating to prostate disease.

Methods: The study will be completed by the end of June, 1997. At the conference a progress report will be given on achievements to date.