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Open Access 05-03-2025 | Prostate Cancer

Worry about prostate cancer and risk perception among middle-aged men: results from the PROBASE trial

Authors: Valentin H. Meissner, Andreas Dinkel, Martina Kron, Stefan Schiele, Matthias Jahnen, Jale Lakes, Jan Philipp Radtke, Markus A. Kuczyk, Nina N. Harke, Jürgen Debus, Christoph A. Fink, Gerald Antoch, Lars Schimmöller, Glen Kristiansen, Agne Krilaviciute, Petra Seibold, Sabine Behrens, Axel Benner, Christian Arsov, Boris Hadaschik, Nikolaus Becker, Rudolf Kaaks, Peter Albers, Jürgen E. Gschwend, Kathleen Herkommer

Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Cancer worry and risk perception are relevant psychological factors that influence preventive health behaviors. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the factors that impact their occurrence and manifestation is critical. The objective of this study was to assess prevalence and factors associated with worry about prostate cancer (PCa) and absolute/comparative risk perception in a community-based sample of 45-year-old men. Data were collected within the German PCa screening trial PROBASE. Variables were assessed by self-report questionnaires and a clinical interview. Worry about PCa and absolute/comparative risk perception were assessed each on a 5-point-Likert scale. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the outcomes of interest. Data were available for 33,476 (72.0%) of 46,495 men at enrollment. 7.3% had sometimes/(very) often worry about PCa. 3.7% and 9.9% perceived their absolute risk and comparative risk as somewhat high/very high and somewhat higher/much higher, respectively. 18.8% reported a positive PCa family history. Important factors of worry about PCa, absolute risk perception, and comparative risk perception were lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) (OR 3.00, 95% CI 2.63–3.42; OR 2.09, CI 1.71–2.56; OR 2.41, CI 2.10–2.76) and a positive PCa family history (OR 2.35, CI 2.08–2.65; OR 15.13, CI 12.73–17.97; OR 9.69, CI 8.76–10.72). A positive history of urological (OR 3.85, CI 2.63–5.63) and non-urological cancers (OR 1.97, CI 1.52–2.54) were associated with a higher comparative risk perception. In conclusion, worry about PCa and risk perception are influenced by non-cancer-related symptoms as well as by a positive PCa family history. These findings need to be addressed in risk communication with patients.

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Title: Worry about prostate cancer and risk perception among middle-aged men: results from the PROBASE trial
Authors: Valentin H. Meissner
Andreas Dinkel
Martina Kron
Stefan Schiele
Matthias Jahnen
Jale Lakes
Jan Philipp Radtke
Markus A. Kuczyk
Nina N. Harke
Jürgen Debus
Christoph A. Fink
Gerald Antoch
Lars Schimmöller
Glen Kristiansen
Agne Krilaviciute
Petra Seibold
Sabine Behrens
Axel Benner
Christian Arsov
Boris Hadaschik
Nikolaus Becker
Rudolf Kaaks
Peter Albers
Jürgen E. Gschwend
Kathleen Herkommer
Publication date: 05-03-2025
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine
Print ISSN: 0160-7715
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3521
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-025-00559-w

Podcast | Sexual health in older age

Springer Medicine

Worry about prostate cancer and risk perception among middle-aged men: results from the PROBASE trial

Abstract

Podcast | Sexual health in older age

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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