Beliefs that contribute to delays in diagnosis of prostate cancer among Afro-Caribbean men in Trinidad and Tobago.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore Trinidad and Tobago (TT) men's prediagnosis experiences of prostate cancer (PCa). This study is part of a wider project that examined men and their partners' experiences of routes to diagnosis for PCa in TT.

Methods

Men (n = 51) were voluntarily recruited to semi-structured interviews from four centres. Data were analysed following principles of grounded theory.

Results

Major barriers to medical help seeking were highlighted as lack of knowledge and awareness of the prostate gland and symptoms of PCa, the digital rectal exam (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), cultural and religious beliefs, and hegemonic masculinity norms and nonreporting of bodily changes to GPs. Fear of DRE, distrust in providers, and misinterpreta

SUBMITTER: King-Okoye M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6617795 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature