How much do you really know about the disease that could affect 1 in 8 men?2
When we think about workplace health, we often picture ergonomic chairs, stress management workshops, or routine physicals. Yet lurking beneath the surface of organizational policies is a silent health crisis that predominantly affects male employees: prostate cancer. As the second most common cancer in men globally, it accounts for over 1.4 million new cases annually worldwide2 . Despite these staggering statistics, awareness and attitudes toward this disease vary dramatically, even among educated professionals like public servants.
Recent research conducted among male staff at the University of Nigeria provides eye-opening insights into how well-informed public servants are about prostate cancer. In this cross-sectional study of 655 male staff members, researchers discovered both encouraging and concerning trends1 .
The study found that while the mean percentage knowledge score was 71.2%, and more than half (57.8%) of respondents had a high knowledge level of prostate cancer, a significant portion exhibited concerning gaps in understanding1 . This knowledge disparity exists despite the demographic profile of the participants - 93.4% held at least a first degree, and 72.2% were academic staff1 .
Similar findings emerged from a Lebanese study involving 844 men, where only 4.6% demonstrated adequate knowledge about prostate cancer despite the country's higher-than-average incidence rates8 . In both studies, higher educational levels significantly correlated with better knowledge scores, highlighting education as a crucial factor in health awareness1 8 .
Perhaps more revealing than the knowledge metrics were the attitudes and perceptions uncovered in the Nigerian study. While 60.8% of respondents had a positive attitude toward prostate cancer screening and treatment, the perception scores told a different story1 .
The mean percentage perception score was 60.0%, with more than half (53.9%) of respondents having a negative perception of prostate cancer screening and treatments1 . This disconnect between knowledge, attitude, and perception reveals a complex psychological landscape where men may understand the importance of screening intellectually yet remain apprehensive about actually undergoing the procedures.
Mean Knowledge Score
Mean Attitude Score
Mean Perception Score
Prostate cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system below the bladder4 . What makes this disease particularly challenging is its often asymptomatic nature in early stages. As the cancer advances, it may cause erectile dysfunction, blood in the urine or semen, trouble urinating, or more severe symptoms like bone pain if it metastasizes4 .
The risk increases significantly after 40, with the average age of diagnosis around 67
Men with a first-degree relative with prostate cancer have twice the risk
Black men have higher incidence rates globally
Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase risk
Screening for prostate cancer typically involves the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which measures the level of PSA in the blood, and the digital rectal examination (DRE)4 6 . However, screening recommendations vary significantly between medical organizations, primarily due to concerns about overdiagnosis and overtreatment7 .
The large-scale PLCO cancer screening trial in the United States found that while annual screening led to finding 22% more prostate cancers after seven years, it did not translate into fewer prostate cancer deaths compared to community-based screening practices7 . This has led to more nuanced screening recommendations that emphasize individual decision-making based on risk factors rather than blanket screening for all men6 .
Recent advances are making diagnosis more precise. Newer diagnostic modalities include free and total PSA levels, PCA3 urine testing, Prostate Health Index (PHI) scoring, the 4K test, and genomic analysis2 . Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has also become an important triage tool, potentially helping men with negative MRI results avoid unnecessary biopsies4 .
Recent scientific breakthroughs are paving the way for more effective prostate cancer treatments. A major international study led by scientists from Flinders University and South China University of Technology has uncovered a new vulnerability in prostate cancer cells3 .
The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, revealed that two enzymes - PDIA1 and PDIA5 - play a crucial role in helping prostate cancer cells grow, survive, and resist treatment3 . These enzymes act as "molecular bodyguards" for the androgen receptor (AR), a protein that fuels prostate cancer.
Scientists first identified the presence and function of PDIA1 and PDIA5 enzymes in prostate cancer cell cultures3
They then used chemical compounds to block the activity of these enzymes in lab-grown prostate cancer cells3
Researchers observed that when PDIA1 and PDIA5 were blocked, the androgen receptor became unstable and broke down, leading to cancer cell death3
The study progressed to testing this approach in mouse models with prostate cancer, observing significant tumor shrinkage3
The team combined PDIA1 and PDIA5 blockers with enzalutamide, a widely used prostate cancer medication, to test for enhanced effectiveness3
Further investigation revealed that blocking these enzymes also disrupted cancer cells' energy production by damaging mitochondria, creating oxidative stress that further weakened the cancer3
| Research Reagent | Function in Experiment |
|---|---|
| PDIA1/PDIA5 Inhibitors | Block the protective function of PDIA enzymes, destabilizing androgen receptors |
| Enzalutamide | Standard prostate cancer medication that targets androgen receptors |
| Cell Culture Models | Provide controlled environment to study cancer cell behavior |
| Mouse Models | Allow researchers to study cancer treatment effects in living organisms |
| Biochemical Assays | Measure protein stability, enzyme activity, and cell viability |
The results were striking - the combination therapy worked well in both patient-derived tumor samples and animal models, suggesting strong potential for future clinical trials3 . Professor Luke Selth, senior author of the study, explained: "By targeting these enzymes, we can destabilize the AR and make tumours more vulnerable to existing therapies like enzalutamide"3 .
The research on public servants' knowledge and attitudes toward prostate cancer reveals critical opportunities for workplace health initiatives. The Nigerian study demonstrated that targeted education can make a significant difference. Participants who had previously heard about prostate cancer, and those informed by physicians about the PSA test, showed significantly better knowledge and more positive attitudes1 8 .
During major health observances to keep prostate cancer top of mind
Partnerships with healthcare providers to make screening convenient
That address both knowledge and perception barriers
To reduce stigma around male-specific health issues
The Lebanese study emphasized the need for "tailored awareness campaigns according to the identified predictors of PC KAP... to prevent and alleviate disease progression"8 .
The combination of knowledge gaps among educated public servants and promising scientific advances in treatment creates both concern and hope. As prostate cancer continues to be a significant health burden globally, particularly for men over 40, the workplace becomes a crucial arena for prevention and early detection efforts.
The silent crisis of prostate cancer awareness in professional environments can no longer be ignored. By addressing both the knowledge and perception barriers, organizations can play a vital role in reducing the impact of this disease. The time has come to transform workplace health initiatives to include comprehensive prostate cancer education, just as many have successfully done for breast cancer and other health conditions.
The future of prostate cancer management lies not only in laboratory breakthroughs but in bridging the awareness gap that prevents men from taking proactive steps toward their health. Our workplaces, particularly in the public sector, can and should lead this charge.