Men's Prostate Cancer Perception - Research Paper Example

Project report Introduction The most common cancer in men is the prostate cancer. Estimates show that, in Australia, at least 3,300 men die annually due to prostate cancer. The main contributing factors to prostate cancer include age, lifestyle, family history, and gender. Early diagnosis of cancer helps in treating the disease before it spreads to other body parts. People believe that the disease affects the old men, but the disease affected some men in their mid 30s. Biopsy and Digital Rectal Exam are the most accurate ways to detecting prostate cancer. Blood samples can also be used to test for prostate cancer. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the disease. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia reported that men do not know about prostate cancer. The survey conducted in 2008 revealed that only half the men knew about prostate cancer. It cleared showed that women are well informed of breast cancer since 78% of women had knowledge of the disease. The Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance (HPCA), formed in 2007 in the Hunter Region, aimed at creating awareness about prostate cancer. This led to a 5% decline in prostate cancer mortality rate. This further led to increased cancer awareness campaigns by individuals, community, and organizations (Wright, 2010, p. 82). This report is a group report giving the current research findings on prostate cancer. Strategies of the ongoing prostate cancer campaigns have also been discussed in this research. The research group used both primary and secondary data. The researchers later analyzed the data. Under the primary method of data collection, the researchers used observation, in-depth interviews and observation methods. They used the internet, textbooks, and newspapers articles to collect secondary data. Objectives of the study 1. To find out men’s prostate cancer perception, and to find out why men do not go for prostate cancer tests yet when detected early prostate cancer can be cured. 2. To find out the factor that can contribute to taking preventive actions against prostate cancer. 3. To identify the factors that would make people donate to charities to help prostate cancer sufferers. 4. To find out young men, below 30 years of age, perception towards cancer since it is a life threatening disease, and how they can contribute to creating awareness of the disease. Methodology The researchers used two sources of data; primary and secondary data. Primary data collection method included in-depth interviews, observation, and online survey. Two group members went to Royal North Shore Hospital, where they attended support group meetings. They aimed at observing prostate cancer attitude by the patients, volunteers, and the participants. They wanted to get a clear image of the situation on the ground so that they would further conduct future studies, which are relevant, in a later stage. Online survey targeted the young adults between 18 to 29 years. This would help the researchers to get their perception towards prostate cancer. Online survey was used because the target group was the youth who frequently use the internet. In-depth interviews, on the other hand, helped to determine perception of prostate cancer by the men aged 40 years and above. The interviews involved 8 men who gave information on people’s willingness to go for prostate cancer tests. The researcher used reputable, authorized secondary sources such as Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), and Cancer Council Annual reports of the years 2008 to 2010. Other secondary sources included the internet, text books and newspaper articles. These secondary sources provided background information, and facts concerning prostate cancer. Testing rates and mortality rates were significantly useful in compiling this report. The research group managed to get information regarding the perception of people with the highest risk of getting prostate cancer. The information would also help in conducting further research (Chapman & Stockler, 2009, p. 35). Literature review Prostate cancer affects the prostate, and it is the main form of cancer that causes deaths in men. It is advisable that males, in the reproductive age, visit their doctors for prostate cancer tests. Unfortunately, men are reluctant to visit clinics, simply because they feel strong due to their masculine nature. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia conducted cancer study in 2009 to find out the awareness of the disease among both women and men. The findings revealed that men had little knowledge on prostate cancer, with only 50% admitting to have a concept of the disease. On the other hand, 78% of the women proved well informed of breast cancer. This difference was alarming because both prostate cancer and breast cancer lead to almost similar number of deaths annually. This led to increased demand for prostate cancer awareness across Australia (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008, p. 13). Chances of developing prostate cancer increase with age. Prostate cancer can be be hereditary. For example, a son whose father, uncle or any other relative who suffered from cancer, is likely to get prostate cancer than one who comes from a family where there are no cases of prostate cancer. Australian prostate cancer statistics show that young men are not likely to suffer from this cancer. However, all people should go for tests since early diagnosis may be curable. Cure options include surgery chemotherapy, proton therapy, hormonal therapy, stereotactic radio surgery, and high intensity focused ultrasound. Research conducted in the year 2009 showed that only 20% of men between the ages of 50 to 60 years had gone for prostate cancer tests. The research also showed that rural people risk high chances of getting prostate cancer; with 120 people dying of the disease in the rural areas and only 100 dying in the urban areas. This could be due to lack of awareness, and being far from the testing and treatment areas. The Vietnam Association of Australia said that cancer mortality rate for Vietnams stood at 53% higher in 2008 than that of the average population. Firefighters’ risk of getting prostate cancer is also high. Some people refer cancer to “family disease” since it affects the entire family psychologically. In some interviews with wives whose husbands suffer from prostate cancer, it was revealed that women are happy that their husbands are still alive, and have little concerns on the sexual disruptions, which occur with the disease. This information is crucial as it helps us in understanding the community as regards prostate cancer. It shows the possibility of using the community channels, and churches to create awareness of prostate cancer (Australian Cancer Society, 2010, p. 22). The strategy emphasized in dealing with prostate cancer should be the media approach. Campaigns are especially noteworthy in tackling this issue. “Take it like a man” campaign can be said to be an effective approach. The campaign may be short term, but its impact can be greatly felt. With such a come, the men still find themselves heroes despite the fact that they have prostate cancer. They will be able to openly to create awareness, and this would further help more individuals and corporations, to join in the campaign. People should change their diets for them to lead a proper lifestyle, hence reducing the chances of getting the disease (Lange & Adamec, 2011, p. 49). Data collection and analysis Secondary data The researchers went through the secondary sources, and they gathered relevant information. They found out that The Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance (HPCA) members have experience with prostate cancer, and their main aim is to see a decline in prostate cancer mortality rate in the Hunter region. The chairperson gets support from a medical advisor, and a retired radio commentator. They try to promote “early detection campaign” since prostate cancer mortality rate in the region showed to be the highest in Australia. The people in this region seem ignorant of prostate cancer. Therefore, they do not go for tests. HPCA responded to these statistics by promoting free support and awareness of the disease. They also counsel patients and affected families (Chapman, Barratt & Stockler, 2009, p. 64). Primary data Prostate cancer support Group attendance When the group researchers visited Royal North Shore Hospital, they observed prostate cancer patients, their diagnosis, and their lifestyle afterwards. The topic in that meeting was “Management Palliative Care”. Men aged between 50 and 60 years, and who had prostate cancer, attended the meeting as volunteers. This helped the group to get the perception of prostate cancer by men, above 40 year of age, which was one of their goals. In that meeting, people shared their views with some of them talking of their treatment experience. The atmosphere was not gloomy as expected. Other participants were family members of the terminally ill and some doctors, as well as counselors. The counseling session helped in advising people on the medical services available and the lifestyle they ought to lead. Female family members attended. This showed the willingness of women to help the terminally ill individuals. It was observed in the meeting that many society members are willing to learn about the disease, and are comfortable creating awareness of prostate cancer (Cramer, 2007, p. 43). Online survey Online survey helped in getting information regarding the youth’s awareness and attitude towards prostate cancer. The other main aim was to determine whether the youth show any concern for the community and whether they would participate in helping the society. Participants here aged between 18 years to 30 years. 90% of these participants agreed that they used the internet for social communication. They cited face book, tweeter, and YouTube as the main sites. 80% of these participants said they knew about prostate cancer. Asked where they heard about it, most of them said through the social media, with a few saying that they had prostate cancer sufferers in their homes (Mason & Moffat, 2010, p. 65). However, a few of them knew how serious prostate cancer could be. Only 20% had heard of The Hunters Prostate Cancer campaign. This shows that several other campaigns should be conducted to create prostate cancer awareness. When asked on volunteering to charity activities, 75% said that they would volunteer, but with the help of the campaigns. This shows the willingness of the youth to participate in raising and collecting funds to help the infected and the affected families (Schiller, 2010, p. 56). In-depth Interviews In-depth interviews helped to gather information regarding the target market population. The questions asked were in line with the research objectives. According to this research, 85% of the respondents had enough knowledge regarding prostate cancer. However, some of them gave different causes of prostate cancer with some citing straining, drinking too much alcohol, and others having sex frequently. 35% of the respondents, who had prostate cancer, admitted having trouble while passing urine. Another 35% said that blood in the urine is also a sign of prostate cancer. 48% of the respondents knew that the right age to start going for prostate cancer tests. 87% of the respondents had heard of Hunter’ region prostate cancer campaign and they all agreed that such campaigns were useful and relevant. Some of the participants did not have worries that they would get this cancer some day, because they attended regular checkups. Others feared because they have prostate cancer history in their families. All the participants emphasized on the importance of participating in charity work. They also agreed that the youth should be encouraged, through social media, to do the same (Ramon & Denis, 2007, p. 27). According to the participants, the donated money should be used wisely to guarantee future donations. More campaigns should also be done to create awareness of the deadly disease. All the participants said that breast cancer campaigns take place more frequently than prostate cancer campaigns. Respondents also admitted that men are not concerned with their health issues. This could, therefore, be a reason as to why they do not go for prostate cancer tests. Health issues must be emphasized in order to have a healthy nation (Oliver, Celia & Fay Sudweeks, 2009). References Australian Cancer Society, 2010. Cancer Forum, volume 30. Australian Cancer Society. Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008. Year Book, Australia, Issue 80. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Chapman, S., Barratt, A., & Stockler, M., 2009. Let sleeping dogs lie? What men should know before getting tested for prostate cancer. Sydney: Sydney University Press. Cramer, S. D., 2007, Prostate Cancer, Sydney: Infobase Publishing. Lange, P. H., & Adamec, C., 2011, Prostate Cancer For Dummies, London: John Wiley & Sons. Mason, M., & Moffat, L., 2010, Prostate Cancer, London: Oxford University Press. Oliver, D., Celia, R., & Fay, S., 2009. Self-service in the Internet age: expectations and experiences. London: Springer Publishers. Ramon, J., & Denis, L., 2007, Prostate cancer, New York: Springer. Schiller, J., 2010, Prostate Cancer, Sydney: CreateSpace. Wright, J., 2010. Third Opinion on Prostate Cancer: A Guide to Knowing Your Options. New York: Tate Publishing. Read More

 

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