UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: Our objective was to assess how family history affects not only risk perception and worries about getting prostate cancer, but also screening behavior. Many African American (AA) men have two risk factors for prostate cancer. By ethnicity alone, they have twice the risk of Euro-American men of developing prostate cancer. Having a family history (brother or father with prostate cancer) also doubles their risk.

Methods: 208 AA men, aged 40 to 74, were recruited through relatives or friends whose prostate cancer diagnosis was reported to the California Cancer Registry and from churches and AA social groups. After eligibility was determined, 88 men with self-reported first-degree family history of prostate cancer and 120 without a history were interviewed by telephone.

Results: Higher than average perceived risk was associated with younger age, a college education, and lower mental well-being. Higher perceived risk was associated with higher reports of prostate cancer worries. Men were more likely to have had a recent digital rectal exam (DRE) or prostate specific antigen (PSA) test if they were older or had a check-up in the past year. Discomfort of the DRE and the cost of a doctor visit were barriers to screening. Having a family history and higher than average perceived risk for prostate cancer exerted independent positive effects on having a recent PSA test.

Conclusions: While there continues to be controversy about PSA testing, these data suggest that African American men at above average risk are inclined to be screened.