The Prostate Cancer Screening Controversy: Addressing Bioethical Concerns at a Community Health Promotion Event for Men

Abstract

There are bioethical concerns related to prostate cancer screening. A new prostate cancer screening approach at a community health promotion event used vouchers to promote informed decision-making in order to reduce these concerns.

Nudging in screening: Literature review and ethical guidance

“…Thirdly, there have been controversies about the outcomes of screening programs, i.e., how many persons are saved from disease and death. These debates have been particularly heated for thyroid [16], prostate [17], and breast cancer screenings [18]. Such controversies raise the question of how screening programs should handle nudging.…”

African American and Afro-Caribbean American Men’s Prostate Health Knowledge and Beliefs

“…The controversy has been debated in the United States and other countries for decades (Austin, 2012). The controversy mainly involves investigating the bioethical issue of the benefits of screening versus the harms and subsequent possible treatment and side effects (Davis et al, 2012). (Howard et al, 2013).…”

“…Informed decision making involved two main parts: 1) obtaining information regarding risks, benefits, alternatives, and uncertainties regarding prostate cancer from a health care provider and culturally reliable and appropriate resources and 2) making the decision according to the man's values and preferences (Davis et al, 2012). Ferrante, Shaw, and Scott (2011) found shared decision making was a method used by providers to instruct men concerning benefits, possible harms, limitations, and risks of prostate cancer and screenings, and then to help men make a choice based on these issues and a man's beliefs, values, and desires.…”