What men know about the symptoms and treatment of prostate cancer: a study comparing ADF and civilian men.

MEDICAL care; ACADEMIC medical centers; VETERANS; MILITARY medicine; PATIENT education; PATIENTS; PROSTATE tumors; QUESTIONNAIRES; MILITARY personnel; PROSTATE-specific antigen; DATA analysis; ACQUISITION of data; HEALTH literacy; DATA analysis software; SYMPTOMS; DIAGNOSIS

Background: In 2010, prostate cancer was found to be the fourth leading cause of death in Australia. Studies indicated that Vietnam veterans reported up to twice the incidence of prostate cancer compared to the general population. Purpose: To compare ADF men with civilian men regarding their awareness and knowledge of (1) symptoms, (2) screening and (3) treatment of prostate cancer. Material and methods: An anonymous questionnaire comprising 12 questions was distributed to adult men at an ADF defence barracks in Melbourne and at the Monash University Clayton campus. Six questions were single answer and six allowed for multiple choices. Results: A total of 250 completed questionnaires were analysed (51 ADF and 199 civilians). Overall, little difference was found in the responses from the two groups. Of the total sample, more than 75% had seen their GP within the last six months and 90% had heard of prostate cancer, yet few had discussed the topic with their GP, had ever been checked, or knew someone with prostate cancer. Overall knowledge was low about symptoms, tests, treatment options and outcomes of prostate cancer. Concern about having prostate cancer varied, with around half indicating a small amount of concern. Conclusion: With increasing incidence rates and poor awareness, combined with misconceptions and a failure to discuss the topic with their GP, men's knowledge about prostate cancer is of concern. Information is now available online via the ADF and with the growing interest in social media and online campaigns; increased public awareness may lead to more men being tested even when they feel well and have no symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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