title: Prevention and detection of prostate cancer: a pilot intervention in a resource--poor South African community.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Prostate cancer is a global health problem strongly linked to the Western lifestyle and its health risks. South Africa, like many African countries, has no population-based screening for this disease.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot test an intervention focused on the prevention and detection of prostate cancer in a resource-poor community in Tshwane, South Africa.
  
  
  METHODS
  Personal invitations for screening were extended to 122 men 40 years or older. Those presenting for screening received health education on prostate cancer and were screened using digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Follow-up appointments were also arranged.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only 53.3% (n = 65) of the invitees reported for screening, with 38 (58.5%) returning to the clinic to learn the results of the PSA test. Knowledge of prostate cancer improved significantly after the intervention. Abnormal findings were detected in 6.2% (n = 4) of the participants, and elevations in PSA levels, in 12.3% (n = 8).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Disappointing results in terms of screening uptake and the number of men lost to follow-up were achieved. The strategies to improve knowledge were successful and resulted in a significant increase in knowledge of prostate cancer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The success of a cancer prevention and detection service is determined by participation and screening uptake. The reasons for not accepting the screening invitation and not returning to learn the findings of the PSA test should be explored. Preventative strategies should be developed and tested as part of a second pilot study testing the refined intervention.
authors: Author affiliations: Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria (Mr Matshela and Dr van Belkum); Department of Nursing Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (Dr Maree).
authors: Ramogomo Frans
authors: RF
authors: Matshela
authors: Johanna E
authors: JE
authors: Maree
authors: Corrien
authors: C
authors: van Belkum
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000451:nursing*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen