Factors Affecting Men's Help-Seeking in the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer: Implications for Health Promotion

Author(s): Alan George and Paul Fleming
Document Type: Article
Year: 2004
Title of Publication: Journal of Men's Health and Gender
Publisher: Elsevier Science Ltd
Place of Publication: Cambridge
Volume: 1: 4
Pages: 345-352
Subject Area(s): Health, Gender
Client Group(s) : Men

Abbreviations: GP - General Practitioner

Background to the Research

  • The researchers were aware of differences between men and women in health-related attitudes and behaviour. In order for health promotion strategies aimed at men to be effective, it is important to understand their health-seeking behaviour. The aim of this phenomenological study was to understand and analyse the experience of men before, during and after they attended a prostate early detection service.

Research Approach

  • A purposive sample of 12 men was selected who had all attended a charity-based service for the early detection of prostate cancer in the previous 3 months. Most men were aged 50-59 years, which is the age group where early intervention is more likely to lead to a cure. However, some older men were included.
  • Semi-structured interviews were undertaken, incorporating a core 'areas of enquiry' guide. Topics included motivation for attending, prior attitudes to help-seeking, prior knowledge about prostate cancer and personal experience of the visit.

Main Findings

  • The men involved in the study experienced social, psychological and structural barriers to seeking help. These include a threat to masculinity, embarrassment, fear and guilt at using an under-resourced health service. For example, respondents thought it almost inappropriate and not masculine to talk about health and cancer. Thus, men found it difficult to seek help.
  • Participants attended the service for a variety of complex and interrelated factors, including fear of cancer, the value of early detection, the media and encouragement by women. In particular, women were perceived as knowing more about their bodies, being more open about health matters and attending doctors more often. They were also seen as the 'arbiters of the family's health'.
  • There was a generally poor view of health services, especially in relation to resources and time made available by GPs. However, participants felt reassured and empowered by attending the early-detection service, mostly due to the interpersonal and communication skills of the health professionals involved.

Conclusion

  • The results identify the need for health policy makers and health promoters to:
    • understand men's help-seeking behaviour;
    • provide men with information that is helpful and relevant;
    • provide high-quality and person-centred services for the early detection of prostate cancer.

 

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