UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: Assess the perception of serum PSA test as screening tool for early detection of prostate cancer in a non-selected Senegalese population.

Methods: Administered questionnaire (113 males; informed consent) to undertake history of uro-genital symptoms. Study parameters : Age, origin, lower urinary tract symptoms (frequency and dysuria), information about PSA test, history of prostatic surgery. Patients underwent a digital rectal exam and total serum PSA test. Set up a database with Epi Info. Statistical analysis conducted, including calculation of prevalence and mean. Correlation and co-variance tests done with E-views.

Results: Mean age was 57.5 years old (range : 37– 85). 15% of the studied population living in an urban area. 81% had lower urinary tract symptoms. Only 5% of the series had heard about PSA test and among them only 3% had a PSA test once. Mean serum PSA level was 2.79 ng/ml (range : 0.14–0.16). 16% had a high PSA (more than 4 ng/ml) and among this group only 2% had lower urinary tract symptoms. 16 men (11%) had an abnormal DRE with a high PSA and 5 of them had a high PSA. 3% had a history of benign prostatic surgery. One had a high serum PSA (17ng/ml). No correlation between age and serum PSA level. A positive co-variance was found between these two parameters. Conclusion: serum PSA test is globally unknown in Senegalese population. People even in the urban area are not aware of the importance of serum PSA test as screening tool for early detection of prostate cancer.