PROSTATE CANCER RISK FACTORS: POPULATION FROM A BASIC HEALTH UNIT

Abstract

The present investigation aimed to identify prostate cancer risk factors in men assisted in a basic health unit in the state of São Paulo in November 2015. It was a descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study, with a sample of 150 male users that went to the unit for a medical appointment and/or nursing care. The most relevant risk factors were age, level of education, sedentary lifestyle, consumption of alcohol, red meat, milk and fat and a high body mass index. The most used screening test was the prostate-specific antigen exam, followed by a rectal examination. The number of participants that presented at least one prostate cancer risk factor was high and that family history prompted men to seek prevention measures, such as appointments with urologists and screening exams.

Keywords

• Men's health
• Prostatic neoplasms
• Risk factors
• Primary health care