Prostate cancer has emerged as a significant public health challenge in the Middle East, characterized by rising incidence rates and a concerning mortality-to-incidence ratio. Yet, despite these alarming trends, data regarding prostate cancer awareness in the region remain limited. To address this critical knowledge gap, this study investigates prostate cancer awareness within the Middle East.
A cross-sectional survey was performed among 5,913 men age 40 years and older across 14 Middle Eastern countries between January 1, 2022, and July 31, 2023. Excluding those with a history of prostate cancer, a validated questionnaire assessed prostate cancer awareness. Data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, medians and ranges for continuous variables, and Pearson chi-square analysis for relationships between education levels and awareness of prostate cancer.
The survey achieved a 74.9% response rate, with 4,431 male participants. Regarding prostate cancer awareness, 83.8% of participants had heard of the disease. However, only 31.0% correctly identified it as the most common malignancy in men, and 21.8% believed it affects both sex. Awareness of screening was limited, with just 19.1% recognizing the prostate-specific antigen test's role. Additionally, participants had a pessimistic view, with a mean perception that 75% of patients with prostate cancer die from the disease, rather than from other causes. Higher education levels were associated with significantly increased awareness of prostate cancer (P < .001).
This study reveals that while general awareness of the disease exists, crucial knowledge deficits regarding risk factors, screening, and prognosis are evident. Addressing these knowledge gaps through culturally tailored education may improve early detection rates, treatment outcomes, and ultimately reduce the burden of prostate cancer in the Middle East.
JCO global oncology. 2024 Jul [Epub]
Mutlay Sayan, Ayfer Ay Eren, Yetkin Tuac, Astrid Langoe, Bader Alali, Ozlem Aynaci, Sepideh Mohammadipour, Farzin Vahedi, Behrooz Daneshmand, Wajid Abbas, Yousef Hawsawi, Toni Nader, Jessie Joseph, Rowan Wahby, Ismail Ozgenc, Layth Mula-Hussain, Shalini Moningi, Peter F Orio, Banu Atalar, Mehmet Fuat Eren
Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA., Kartal Dr Lütfi Kirdar Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey., Department of Statistics, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey., Boston College, Boston, MA., Jaber Al Ahmad Hospital, Kuwait, Kuwait., Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey., Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey., University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran., Mehraban Hospital, Mehri, Afghanistan., Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Al-Faisal University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia., Damascus University, Damascus, Syria., Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates., Galala University, Suez, Egypt., University of Nicosia Medical School, Egkomi, Cyprus., Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada., Acibadem Maslak Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey., Marmara University, Istanbul Pendik Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.