Factors affecting men''s help-seeking in the early detection of prostate cancer: implications for health promotion

Background:This paper reports the findings of a phenomenological study to understand and interpret the experience of a group of men before, during and after their attendance at a charity-based service for the early detection of prostate cancer.Methods:A comprehensive review of the literature on men's help-seeking behaviour regarding their health was undertaken. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with a purposive sample of 12 men who had attended the service in the previous 3 months.Results:Resultant data showed that men experience social, psychological and structural barriers to help-seeking including a threat to masculinity, embarrassment, fear and guilt at using an under-resourced health service. Participants attended the service due to a variety of motivating factors which are often complex and interrelated. However, fear of cancer, the value of early detection, the media and encouragement by women were key cues to action. Participants felt reassured and empowered by the process, largely due to the interpersonal and communication skills of health professionals working within the early detection service.Conclusions:The findings highlight the need for health policy makers and health promoters to understand men's help-seeking behaviour, provide them with information in a relevant and meaningful way and provide services for the early detection of prostate cancer which should be of high quality and person-centred.