Prostate Cancer awareness in the Lebanese population: a cross sectional national survey

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (Pca) is the second most common cause of cancer among Lebanese men. Screening is an effective method to reduce prostate cancer mortality. This study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and screening practices among Lebanese population regarding Pca. METHODS: A cross-sectional national study over all the Lebanese governorates on 1558 persons was undergone. Information on Pca knowledge and attitudes towards screening was obtained using a semi structured questionnaire. Bivariate and binary logistic regression were used to assess relations between Pca knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 1088 (69.8%) males and 470 (30.2%) females, with a mean age of 40 Y.O. Concerning early detection methods of Pca, its frequency, the ideal screening age, symptoms and curability of Pca, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was found when studying the following variables: the educational level (university level group having the highest percentage of correct answers), the individual monthly income (more correct answers were found with higher monthly income) and the age groups (most correct answers in the younger age groups). CONCLUSION: Our study points to the need of developing Pca prevention and education programs that should especially target older men, and people of low socioeconomic status and education in Lebanon. Such programs would increase awareness to Pca and screening, ultimately reducing the burden of advanced cancer through its early diagnosis.