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Men's Attitudes Towards Participation in Organised Prostate Cancer Testing: An Abductive Thematic Analysis

Arvendell, Markus ; Phillips, Lottie ; Delilovic, Sara ; Backman Enelius, Moa ; Olsson, Karin ; Bolejko, Anetta LU orcid ; Akre, Olof ; Carlsson, Sigrid ; Richter, Anne and Lantz, Anna (2025) In European Urology Open Science 71. p.156-164
Abstract
Background and objective
Organised prostate cancer (PCa) testing (OPT) was introduced in Sweden to gain knowledge in preparation for a potential national PCa screening programme. This study aims to explore men’s opinions regarding the OPT invitation letters and the attitudes influencing their decision to participate in or decline OPT.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 30 men (nine participants and 21 non-participants) from Stockholm County who received OPT invitations. We employed an abductive thematic analysis, a reflexive process of identifying theoretical explanations of emerging patterns, to identify themes in men’s responses.
Key findings and limitations
Informants found the invitation... (More)
Background and objective
Organised prostate cancer (PCa) testing (OPT) was introduced in Sweden to gain knowledge in preparation for a potential national PCa screening programme. This study aims to explore men’s opinions regarding the OPT invitation letters and the attitudes influencing their decision to participate in or decline OPT.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 30 men (nine participants and 21 non-participants) from Stockholm County who received OPT invitations. We employed an abductive thematic analysis, a reflexive process of identifying theoretical explanations of emerging patterns, to identify themes in men’s responses.
Key findings and limitations
Informants found the invitation letters informative and appreciated the screening opportunity, but suggested improvements regarding conciseness and clarity about the risks and benefits of testing. Barriers to participation included lack of time or motivation, fear of discovering illness, inaccessibility, and distrust of health care or medical procedures. Facilitators included a desire to confirm or rule out PCa, and taking advantage of the available screening opportunity. Limitations include the study’s single-county focus and a potential recall bias affecting responses.
Conclusions and clinical implications
Men’s attitudes towards OPT participation are multifaceted. While men appreciate screening opportunities, practical considerations as well as personal and psychological factors influence their participation decisions. To improve informed decision-making, OPT communication should be clear about the benefits and risks, and accessibility and logistical challenges should be addressed. Enhancing understanding and reducing fears are essential for refining screening practices and aligning these with men’s needs.
Patient summary
Men value the option for prostate cancer screening, but face barriers such as low motivation and fear of a cancer diagnosis. Clear communication could improve their understanding of screening and encourage informed decision-making regarding participation in organised prostate cancer testing. Improved accessibility to testing could enhance participant opportunity. (Less)
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author
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
in
European Urology Open Science
volume
71
pages
156 - 164
publisher
Elsevier
external identifiers
  • scopus:85213289417
  • pmid:39834916
ISSN
2666-1691
DOI
10.1016/j.euros.2024.12.007
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
3407845f-f4f0-453c-a2de-c608e4f3102f
date added to LUP
2025-01-02 11:50:26
date last changed
2025-07-05 03:00:03
@article{3407845f-f4f0-453c-a2de-c608e4f3102f,
  abstract     = {{Background and objective<br/>Organised prostate cancer (PCa) testing (OPT) was introduced in Sweden to gain knowledge in preparation for a potential national PCa screening programme. This study aims to explore men’s opinions regarding the OPT invitation letters and the attitudes influencing their decision to participate in or decline OPT.<br/>Methods<br/>We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 30 men (nine participants and 21 non-participants) from Stockholm County who received OPT invitations. We employed an abductive thematic analysis, a reflexive process of identifying theoretical explanations of emerging patterns, to identify themes in men’s responses.<br/>Key findings and limitations<br/>Informants found the invitation letters informative and appreciated the screening opportunity, but suggested improvements regarding conciseness and clarity about the risks and benefits of testing. Barriers to participation included lack of time or motivation, fear of discovering illness, inaccessibility, and distrust of health care or medical procedures. Facilitators included a desire to confirm or rule out PCa, and taking advantage of the available screening opportunity. Limitations include the study’s single-county focus and a potential recall bias affecting responses.<br/>Conclusions and clinical implications<br/>Men’s attitudes towards OPT participation are multifaceted. While men appreciate screening opportunities, practical considerations as well as personal and psychological factors influence their participation decisions. To improve informed decision-making, OPT communication should be clear about the benefits and risks, and accessibility and logistical challenges should be addressed. Enhancing understanding and reducing fears are essential for refining screening practices and aligning these with men’s needs.<br/>Patient summary<br/>Men value the option for prostate cancer screening, but face barriers such as low motivation and fear of a cancer diagnosis. Clear communication could improve their understanding of screening and encourage informed decision-making regarding participation in organised prostate cancer testing. Improved accessibility to testing could enhance participant opportunity.}},
  author       = {{Arvendell, Markus and Phillips, Lottie and Delilovic, Sara and Backman Enelius, Moa and Olsson, Karin and Bolejko, Anetta and Akre, Olof and Carlsson, Sigrid and Richter, Anne and Lantz, Anna}},
  issn         = {{2666-1691}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  month        = {{01}},
  pages        = {{156--164}},
  publisher    = {{Elsevier}},
  series       = {{European Urology Open Science}},
  title        = {{Men's Attitudes Towards Participation in Organised Prostate Cancer Testing: An Abductive Thematic Analysis}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.euros.2024.12.007}},
  doi          = {{10.1016/j.euros.2024.12.007}},
  volume       = {{71}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}