Social and Cultural Aspects related to Prostate Cancer in the Point of view of Patients and Social Assistants professionals

Abstract

Introduction: In Brazil, it is estimated 68,220 new prostate cancer cases in 2018 and in 2019. With the study, it was possible to observe that the low demand and the difficulty of access to the health-care services are related to some social and cultural aspects. Objective: To understand the sociocultural aspects that involve the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in the perspective of both the patients and social workers. Method: This is a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory research. The method of content analysis was used. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview with open and closed questions. The study included 70 men diagnosed with prostate cancer and three social workers working in the area investigated. Results: In relation to the demand for health-care units, 79% of the interviewed men answered that they did not seek it frequently. As for the reason(s) for not consulting a doctor, the answers indicate lack of symptoms, job-related issues, male chauvinism and prejudice. Conclusion: The present study investigated the social profile of the patients treated for prostate cancer in the rural area of Pernambuco called “Agreste” and the social-cultural aspects involving the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. It is necessary to improve health education for men, promoting the debate about the subject, further to the implementation of actions to favor the early diagnosis, aiming to reduce the incidence and prevalence of the disease.