Premium
Patterns of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing in Australian men: the influence of family history
Author(s) -
McDowell Michelle E.,
Occhipinti Stefano,
Gardiner Robert A.,
Chambers Suzanne K.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
bju international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 1464-4096
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2012.11050.x
Subject(s) - prostate specific antigen , medicine , family history , prostate , cancer
OBJECTIVE• To describe how a family history of prostate cancer influences men's prostate cancer testing behaviours, information support preferences, and motives for testing.SUBJECTS AND METHODS• Men with a first‐degree family history (239 men) and a comparison sample from the general population of Queensland, Australia (289) aged 40–65 years, and no prior history of cancer.• Cross‐sectional, retrospective survey assessing: prevalence of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal examination (DRE); discussion of prostate cancer risks and benefits with a physician; prostate cancer information needs and preferences; motivations for testing.RESULTS• Men with a family history were more likely to report: having ever had a PSA test (odds ratio [OR] 4.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.16–7.85), more PSA tests in their lifetimes ( b 1.04; se 0.40; 95% CI 0.26–1.82); to have had a DRE (OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.54–3.23); to have spoken to a doctor about prostate cancer (OR 3.72; 95% CI 2.30–6.02); and to have instigated these discussions (OR 1.74; 95%CI 1.13–2.70). • Most men from both groups did not recall any discussion of the ‘cons’ of prostate cancer testing with a doctor. • Men with a family history reported a greater desire for information about prostate cancer prevention than did men without a family history.CONCLUSIONS• Men with a family history are more concerned about getting prostate cancer and are tested more often; however, information needs, discussions about prostate cancer, and motivations for testing are similar to those of all men. • There appears to be a disparity between public health approaches that promote informed decision‐making and what is happening in practice.