THE INFLUENCE OF PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS ON THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF MEN

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study
Cancer is the growth disorder of cells in the body. Clinically, it can be defined as a large number (up to a hundred) of complex diseases that behave differently depending on the cell types from which they originate (William, Klug et.al, 2009, p.513). It is a genetic disease which is caused by mutation that has dominated other cells. In 2000, there were 1,220,100 reported cases of new cancers and 552,200 cancer deaths, indicating that roughly half of the people who develop cancer die from it (William, Klug, et.al, 2009, p.513). Statistics emanating from different health organisations and agencies around the world indicate that there are over 16 million new cases of cancer globally. This figure, according to World Health Organization (WHO) 2011report, is likely to double in 2020 (Chustecka, 2011, p.1). The rapid spread of this disease to a large extent is as a result of unawareness of its early symptoms which can be treated at its early stage when detected. Cells proliferation and metastasis nature of cancer has made it worst, this has resulted to its fast spread (cancer) in human body. Cell proliferation has to do with the division of cells into multiple units which can be said to be characterized by abnormal cell growth. On the other hand, metastasis is a process that allows these cells to spread to other parts of the body. The painful aspect of this disease is the ability to combine both cell proliferation and metastatic, this makes it more dangerous (Peter & George, 2002, p. 367).
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in 2008 gave an estimate of over 681,000 and 512,400 new cases of cancer. These figures have increased to 1.4 million cases and 714 thousand deaths in 2010 (IARC Report 2010, p.3). The three most deadly human cancers are cancer of the lung, cancer of the colon and breast cancer. However, lung cancer is largely preventable, most of these cases result from smoking cigarettes (American Cancer Society, 2000, p. 13).
There are several causes of cancer, notable among them is the genetic factor. John Hill, an English physician in 1761 discovered that some tumors which can develop to cancer are caused by chemicals. Percival Pott, also made a similar discovery, he discovered that heavy snuff users are exposed to cancer. The 1966 Nobel Prize winner in medicine, Peyton, Rous discovered another cause of cancer. He found out that virus can cause cancer in human (Peter & George, 2002, p. 368).
Peter and George, (2002, p. 369), stated that, one out of every three children born will contract cancer at some time during their lives. While one-fourth of the male children and one-third of the female children will someday die of cancer. One begins to wonder what will be the fate of developing nations since the level of knowledge and awareness of this disease is relatively poor in these nations.
The most deadly disease in men is prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a type of cancer which only affects men. It is the second leading cause of death in men. (World Cancer Report 2011, p.4). It occurs when tumor begins to grow in the prostate gland of male reproductive system. The word “prostate” means “one standing in front”. The prostate is so called because of its position, which is directly at the base of the bladder. It is estimated that 241,740 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in 2012 in America and out of this number, 28,170 patients will die from this disease (America Cancer Society, 2012, p. 23).
This is to show the low level of awareness and attention given to this disease that is gradually sending most men to the grave. Developing nations are seriously at disadvantage when it comes to knowledge.

1.2     Statement of the problem

Cancer cells are immortal, until they are uprooted by surgery or the body in which the cell resides dies before one can be said to be free from this disease. Due to the nature of this disease in man, several agencies and organizations such as United Bank for Africa have organized seminars and awareness campaigns on prostate cancer. On Saturday, June 18th 2011, UBA Foundation flagged off an awareness campaign against prostate cancer in Nigeria and Africa, all in a bid to fight cancer. Yet the current statistical data of mortality resulting from prostate cancer is in the increase. prostate cancer is the most pernicious disease in man, the second highest cause of death in man [Orarusi, 2012]. In spite of the Campaigns on cancer generally, death continues to be on the increase. In developing nations like Nigeria, death rate as a result of prostate cancer is very high and mostly among men that are 50 years and above. However, this high death rate can be linked to lack of public awareness, knowledge, late detection and diagnosis of the disease and the attitude of men about the disease. All these lead to the premise that prostate cancer is yet to be well understood by men. However, some people are of the view that any awareness campaign aimed at combating this deadly disease must have all it takes to increase knowledge, create positive attitude and enhance practice of screening methods among the audience. Except there is a significant change in the attitude of those exposed to prostate cancer campaigns, the entire exercise will amount to vanity. Based on this, this research therefore seeks to find out the extent to which men in south-eastern Nigeria are exposed to prostate cancer campaigns, their attitude and practice towards campaign messages on prevention, early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.

1.3     Objectives of the study

 The general objectives of the study is to examine the influence of prostate cancer awareness campaigns on the knowledge, attitude and practices of men. The specific objectives is as follows:

i.         To find out the awareness level of men in South-Eastern Nigeria about prostate cancer. 

ii.       To ascertain the knowledge level of men in South-Eastern Nigeria on prostate cancer. 

iii.    To identify the sources of information about prostate cancer. 

iv.    To ascertain the attitude of men in South Eastern Nigeria towards prostate cancer. 

v.       To find out if the campaign on prostate cancer have influenced the behaviour of men in the South-Eastern part of the country.

1.4     Research questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

i.         What is the level of awareness among men in south-eastern Nigeria about prostate cancer? 

ii.       What is the level of knowledge of men in the south eastern Nigeria on the issue of prostate cancer? 

iii.    What are the sources of information known to men in South-Eastern Nigeria on prostate cancer? 

iv.    What is the attitude of men in South-Eastern Nigeria on prostate cancer?

v.       What influence has the campaigns on prostate cancer on the behaviour of men in South Eastern Nigeria?

1.5     significance of the study

This study will be significant to the ministry of health as it will be exposed to the need of creating an awareness on the issues of prostate cancer

The study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6     Scope of the study

The study will find out the awareness level of men in South-Eastern Nigeria about prostate cancer. The study will also ascertain the knowledge level of men in South-Eastern Nigeria on prostate cancer. The study will further identify the sources of information about prostate cancer. More so, the study will ascertain the attitude of men in South Eastern Nigeria towards prostate cancer. Lastly, the study will find out if the campaign on prostate cancer have influenced the behaviour of men in the South-Eastern part of the country.hence, this study is delimited to south Eastern part of Nigeria.

1.7     Limitations of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

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