Prostate cancer and screening tests: experiences and sociocultural beliefs of rural adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rfnsp.e359413Keywords:
access barriers to health services, prostate cancer, social representations, adult health, screeningAbstract
Objective: To understand the experiences and sociocultural beliefs of rural adults about prostate cancer and screening tests.
Methods: Qualitative study with a focused ethnographic design. The sample was made up of men over 50 years of age, from La Playa village of the municipality of Caldas (Boyacá, Colombia) for the year 2023. The information was collected through in-depth interviews.
Results: Three categories were obtained: experiences and knowledge about prostate cancer and screening tests; sociocultural beliefs about prostate cancer and screening tests; and access barriers to prostate cancer screening. Perception of cancer risk and the importance of screening tests are influenced by previous experiences and sociocultural factors. In addition, barriers such as limited access to medical services, as well as economic and geographic difficulties, complicate testing and follow-up.
Conclusions: Understanding of prostate cancer is conditioned by personal and family history. Although some people recognize certain risk factors, there is still a notable lack of knowledge about screening tests and symptoms of the disease, which complicates early detection. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is the most widely accepted test among men, and knowing of someone close with prostate cancer often encourages screening. However, significant barriers to access persist, especially due to lack of information about available health services and tests.
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