EXPLORING AWARENESS OF PROSTATE CANCER AND PERCEPTION OF RISK AMONG TEACHERS IN NIGERIA Abstract The growing incidence of prostate cancer combined with high morbidity and mortality among male gender especially in Nigeria is attributed to advanced cancer stage at presentation. The aim of this study was to explore awareness of prostate cancer, perception of risk and screening practices of male public secondary school teachers. This study is a descriptive cross‑sectional study. A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was administered to collect information from male public secondary school teachers in Ibadan north local government area of Oyo state aged 40 to 65 years. Out of 550 questionnaires that were distributed, and only 493 responded. Three hundred and ninety one (73.2%) of were aware of prostate cancer and almost thirty five percent (34.6%) of respondents were aware that prostate cancer is a major disease that kills older men. Awareness of prostate cancer risk factors revealed that less than a quarter (22.7%) were aware of family history as one of major the risk factors for prostate cancer and less than two-thirds (30.7%) of the respondents were aware that prostate cancer screening tests exist. Only 32 (8.9%) of the respondents perceived that they might be at risk of developing prostate cancer and less than half (47.6%) were willing to be screened of prostate cancer. The result of the regression analysis revealed that there is strong positive relationship between respondents age (β=-21.272; P<.004) and prostate cancer awareness. Religion and level of education (β=-2.679 P<.005; β=-3.414 P<.0015) were found to significantly influence uptake of prostate cancer screening. This study revealed poor awareness of prostate cancer risk factors, symptoms and screening tests among male teachers. It is pertinent to provide adequate and sufficient information about prostate cancer risk, screening and treatment to the general population using various approaches and mediums.

Keywords: prostate, prostate cancer, prostate cancer risk and prostate screening