Modifiable Risk Factors Implicated in Prostate Cancer Mortality and Morbidity among West African Men

Abstract

Prostate cancer is a significant public health problem affecting men globally. In 2012, it was the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among men world-wide and disproportionately impact men of African ancestry. Established risk factors for this disease include older age; family history; and African ancestry. While these factors are non-modifiable, there are other contributing factors to prostate cancer disparities that are deemed modifiable. They include knowledge and attitudes about the disease, the world-view or belief system of individuals and their diet. Moreover, physical activity, alcohol and tobacco consumption have also been suggested as behavioral factors that contribute to prostate cancer disparities. Aim: This study compares modifiable risk factors implicated in prostate cancer among men living in Africa and African immigrants living in the United States to identifying behavioral factors that can be targeted for intervention. Methods: A cross-sectional sample was employed. Results: Findings indicate fatalism, attitude and knowledge of prostate cancer signs and symptoms were statistically significant with screening for the disease. The odds of having a digital rectal examination was 2.15 times higher for study Page 2 of 23 participants who consumed fish (Odds Ratio= 2.15; 95% Confidence Interval:1.46 – 3.16), compared to those who did not. Additionally, participants who reported a fishbased diet, Odds Ratio of 1.77 (95% Confidence Interval: 1.28 – 2.44) on average had a 77% higher odds of getting a prostate specific antigen test than participants whose diet did not contain fish. Attitude was found to be a significant predictor of having had a prostate specific antigen test.