Determinants of Early Cancer Screening Behavior in Nigeria

Purpose Early detection and improvements and advancements in medicine have contributed to an overall decrease in mortality and morbidity rates that result from cancer diagnoses. Despite this improvement in national and global health status, Nigerians continue to be diagnosed at a later stage and with a more aggressive disease state. This is an important observation given the impact that cancer has on the ability of individuals to function physically, psychologically, and socially within the context of their environment. It is important, therefore, to identify and target specific groups that may be less willing to present for early cancer screening. The aim of this work was to understand the characteristics of Nigerians who are likely or not to present for early cancer screening and to address the use of mechanisms by which we can ensure the timely diagnosis of preventable cancers among Nigerians. Methods Adult Nigerians (N = 144), age 18 to 71 years, presented for clinical breast examination, visual inspection with acetic acid, and prostate-specific antigen test screenings after an awareness exercise. Participants completed survey forms that included a personality inventory, early cancer detection behavior scale, and a demography profile. We used multiple regression and analysis of variance to examine predictive patterns and differences between and within groups. Results Our results indicate that income (β = .18; P < .05) is a significant determinant of early cancer detection behavior, such that higher earners were more likely to go for screening. There were also significant gender differences in current cancer detection behavior between males (mean, 0.15; standard deviation, 0.51) and females (mean, 0.47; standard deviation, 0.80). Males are less likely to engage in early detection behavior (F 1,145 = 4.76; P = .03). Data also show differences between older (age > 41 years) and younger (age < 40 years) participants in the intention to screen for cancer, with older participants reporting more willingness to engage in cancer screening. Conclusion Our findings enhance our understanding of the profile of groups who are less likely to screen for cancer. Our results also suggest that awareness campaigns and free screening exercises should target these at-risk groups in Nigeria. AUTHOR’S DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The following represents disclosure information provided by authors of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated. Relationships are self-held unless noted. I = Immediate Family Member, Inst = My Institution. Relationships may not relate to the subject matter of this manuscript. For more information about ASCO's conflict of interest policy, please refer to asco.org or ascopubs.org . No COIs from the author.