Nivel educacional como determinante en tamizaje de cáncer de próstata / Prostate cancer screening is associated with educational level and knowledge about the disease

ABSTRACT

Background: The screening of prostate cancer allows an earlier diagnosis, allowing more therapeutic options. This screening depends in part on spontaneous patients’ consultation, which is largely related to their educational level. Aim: To evaluate the association between educational level, knowledge of the disease, and prostatic screening. Material and methods: A questionnaire was applied to 377 men aged between 50 and 90 years to determine their educational level, knowledge of the disease, if they had any prostate screening and age at first screening. Data was analyzed with R Commander. Results: Eighty one percent of respondents had some knowledge of the disease and of these, 68% had prostate screenings compared with 34% of those without knowledge of the disease. Information about prostate cancer was reported by 71% and 96% of respondents with primary and university education, respectively. Fifty nine and 90% of respondents with primary and university education had prostate screenings performed, respectively. Conclusions: Those respondents with a prostate cancer screening had a better knowledge of the disease and a higher educational level.