Factors influencing black men and their partners' knowledge of prostate cancer screening: a literature review.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK, with 46 690 new cases in 2014. While there is sufficient research on this topic in the USA, there is no review in the UK regarding both black men and their significant others' perspective on prostate cancer screening.

AIM: To identify and explore factors that may influence black men and their significant others' knowledge and awareness of prostate cancer screening.

METHOD: A literature search revealed seven relevant articles.

RESULTS: Six of the seven articles were conducted in the USA. The results are described using four themes: perception of prostate cancer screening, fear, anxiety and discomfort, misinformation about prostate cancer screening procedures and communication and decision-making.

CONCLUSION: The evidence suggests that some black men and their significant others had knowledge and awareness of prostate cancer screening. However, their views were influenced by misperceptions, misinformation, fear and anxiety around screening procedures and mortality. Communication and spousal support were important in decision making.