Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening rates and factors associated with screening in Eastern Canadian men: Findings from cross-sectional survey data

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.6072

Keywords:

prostate specific antigen, cancer screening, Canada, Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, prevalence, prostate specific antigen test

Abstract

Introduction: The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is used in Canada to detect prostate cancer (PCa) despite mixed recommendations. Complications arising from false-positives are common, posing as a cancer-screening concern. This work estimates some Canadian rates of PSA screening and identifies men at increased odds for PSA screening.

Methods: The Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) from 2009/10 (Atlantic Canada; ATL), 2011/2012 (Ontario; ON), and 2013/2014 (Quebec; QC) were used. Lifetime and recent PSA screening with confidence intervals were constructed to estimate PSA screening in ATL, ON, and QC. Two logistic regression models (for men <50 and ≥50 years of age) were used to determine associations between factors and lifetime PSA screening.

Results: PSA screening rates have increased in most age groups for ATL, ON, and QC since 2000/2001. Factors positively associated with lifetime PSA screening in men of all ages were: having a digital rectal exam, having a regular doctor, and having a colorectal exam. Fruit and vegetables consumption and non-smoking status were positively associated with lifetime PSA screening in men <50 years of age. High income and the presence of chronic health conditions were positively associated with lifetime PSA screening in men ≥50 years of age.

Conclusions: PSA screening rates have generally increased since 2000/2001 in Canada. Physician-related factors play a role in men at all ages, while different factors are associated in men <50 years of age and men ≥50 years of age. Limitations include the generalizability to all of Canada and the potential for recall bias.

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Published

2020-02-04

How to Cite

Tchir, D. ., Farag, M., & Szafron, M. (2020). Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening rates and factors associated with screening in Eastern Canadian men: Findings from cross-sectional survey data. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 14(7), E319–27. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.6072

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Section

Original Research