Prostate Cancer Screening: Exploring the Knowledge, Prevalence, and Willingness Amongst Adult Males Receiving Care at Tertiary Hospitals in FCT, Abuja

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer remains the second most frequently diagnosed malignancy and a major cause of cancer-related mortality among men globally. In Sub-Saharan Africa, limited awareness and low screening uptake contribute to late presentation and poor outcomes. In Nigeria, prostate cancer represents a growing public health concern, yet men’s knowledge, attitudes, and willingness toward screening remain inadequately understood. This study assessed the knowledge, willingness, and practice of prostate cancer screening among adult men attending tertiary hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 men aged 40 years and above attending outpatient clinics at Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi (n = 141), National Hospital Abuja (n = 119), and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada (n = 158). Participants were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 22. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Most respondents (373; 89.2%) had heard about prostate cancer, and 312 (74.6%) were aware of screening methods. Only 117 (28.0%) had ever undergone prostate cancer screening, mainly via Prostate-Specific Antigen testing (24.9%) and Digital Rectal Examination (12.2%). Willingness to screen was expressed by 255 (61.0%). Screening uptake was significantly associated with age, educational level, knowledge, awareness, and willingness (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study highlights a critical need for targeted awareness campaigns, improved accessibility to screening services, and culturally sensitive health education to enhance early detection and reduce prostate cancer morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. These findings provide evidence to inform policy development and public health interventions aimed at increasing prostate cancer screening uptake among Nigerian men.