A Qualitative Study on Prostate Cancer Awareness and Prevention in the UK

This study aims to explore key stakeholders and the government views towards prostate cancer awareness in the UK. The literature review covers the trend of prostate cancer in the UK, steps taken by the government and NGOs to minimize its negative impact, and more. The methodology includes a qualitative research approach, data collection and analysis, ethical considerations, and reliability and validity. The study concludes with recommendations for improving prostate cancer awareness and prevention in the UK.

Research methods (core)

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
Background..................................................................................................................................4
Rationale......................................................................................................................................4
RESEARCH QUESTION/JUSTIFICATION.................................................................................5
Aim and objectives......................................................................................................................5
Research questions.......................................................................................................................5
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................6
Theme 1: prostate cancer.............................................................................................................6
Theme 2: Identify the trend of prostate cancer within UK among men......................................7
Theme 3: Steps taken by government to minimize the negative impact of prostate cancer and
bodies involved in the same.........................................................................................................8
Improvement in methodology....................................................................................................10
Limitations.................................................................................................................................10
Future research...........................................................................................................................11
METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................................11
Research type.............................................................................................................................11
Research approach.....................................................................................................................11
Research philosophy..................................................................................................................11
Data collection...........................................................................................................................12
Data analysis..............................................................................................................................12
Ethical consideration.................................................................................................................12
Reliability and validity..............................................................................................................13
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS..........................................................................13
Summary....................................................................................................................................13

Suggestions................................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

Title: A qualitative study to explore key stakeholders and the government views towards
prostate cancer awareness and prevention in the UK.
INTRODUCTION
Background
In this recent era, health and social care are developed in effective manner but there are
still some main issues which did not openly discussed. Among all, prostate cancer is considered
one of the common diseases that found among man, a small walnut size gland which produce
seminal fluid (Gillessen and et.al., 2020). The topic is considered important because people are
not aware enough and that is why, the current study shed a light upon it. As per the facts and
figures, it has been identified that across UK around 129 men diagnosed every day and that is
why, it reflects that there is a need to take prostate cancer seriously. Hence, there is a need to use
effective steps which in turn causes decrease in number of cases.
In addition to this, the present study is will use only qualitative study in order to generate
a better result because it is a theoretical concept which cannot be measured into a figure. Apart
from this, many researches stated that it is one of slow growing disease which is found among
men whose age is above 50. Also, it has been also analysed that with the help of effective
partnership with health and social care departments, the awareness can be generated among
normal people. Thus, with the help of defined aim and objectives, scholar can easily shed a light
upon the chosen topic and investigate the ways through which awareness program can be
implemented easily to minimise the negative chances of the issue. This study aims to explore key
stakeholders and the government views towards prostate cancer awareness in the UK.
Rationale
This is considered as a research issue because the number of cases increases year by year
and that is why, there is a need to improve the same. Most of the people do not have enough
knowledge pertaining to the issue and this in turn increase the chances of prostate cancer. That is
why, with the help of thematic data analysis, scholar draw attention towards the ways and causes
that lead to increase the issue and this in turn assist to derive better results as well.

RESEARCH QUESTION/JUSTIFICATION
Research questions
Q1: What are the views of key stakeholders and government regarding awareness and prevention
of prostate cancer?
In UK, the trend of prostate cancer keeps increases and it became one of the most
common issues among men because from 2016 to 2018, around 52 thousand cases recorded
which is 27% increase from last year (Cancer Registration statistics, 2021). Earlier research only
conducted upon the statistics and trend about the cancer but with the help of present research, the
concept and role of government towards the issue has been analysed so that effective strategy
can be implemented in order to generate a better view.
Also explained in their study that England suffered from the disease highest across UK
and the death rate is also high among all states. Therefore, the present research will help to
determine the role of government in order to raise awareness towards prostate cancer.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Theme 1: prostate cancer
de Freitas and et.al. (2019) has defined prostate cancer as a type of cancer that arises in
prostate. They also defined prostate at this point by stating that it is a small gland having walnut
like shape within males. The function of prostate is to generate seminal fluid which is helpful in
nourishment and transportation of sperm.
As per the views of Shoag and et.al. (2020), prostate cancer is among the commonly
found cancer type but it is considered to be a curable disease due to the reason of being
diagnosed through screening at early stages. It has been found in many studies like the one
conducted by Martin and et.al. (2018) that there are many instances of slow growth of this type
of cancer and accordingly, it remains restricted to the prostate gland along with not causing
serious harm. Also, there are also instances of slow growth of prostate cancer where only a
minimal or no treatment is needed. However, there are many instances of prostate cancer which
spreads quickly by showing aggressiveness.

Taitt (2018) has identified many symptoms of prostate cancer at its advanced level while
not showing any signs or symptoms at early stages such as troublesome during urination, flow of
blood during urination and in the semen, pain in bones, weight loss without any efforts,
dysfunction in erection and lower force in the urine stream.
According to Downing and et.al. (2019), there are no causes associated with prostate
cancer has been found out till now but the factors that are responsible for increasing the risk of
and turning prostate cells into cancer cells had been identified as higher risk at old age and also
people who are from black race have greater risk of having advanced or aggressive type of
prostate cancer. Furthermore, if there is a family history of getting diagnosed with prostate
cancer or breast cancer that is, any of blood relative then the risk of other blood relative of being
diagnosed of with prostate cancer increases. At last, people with the issue of obesity have greater
risk of getting diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Thurtle and et.al. (2019) has identified certain factors that are helpful in the prevention of
prostate cancer such as having healthy diet by consuming healthy foods, fruits and vegetables,
performing exercise on regular basis to maintain a healthy weight and taking doctor's
prescription at early stage on coming across prostate cancer's symptoms persistently.
Theme 2: Identify the trend of prostate cancer within UK among men.
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer that has been found at an increasing
rate from last decade. As per the research published by Cancer Research UK, it has been found
that between (2006 to 2008 and 2016 to 2018) incidence rate of prostate cancer among males has
increased by 8% (Cancer Research UK. 2021). In the year 2016 to 2018, the proportion of
prostate cancer among the total cases diagnosed of cancer is 14% within UK. Also, it has been
found that the increase in incidence rate of prostate cancer among male belonging from broad
age groups is higher as compared to reduction or stability in other age groups. The peak rate of
prostate cancer has been evidenced among men belonging from 75 to 79 years of age group
within UK Cancer Research UK, (2021).
Furthermore, number of new cases with regard to prostate cancer within UK in 2016 and
2018 comes around 54254 and accordingly, trend within the incidence rate of prostate cancer
among males in UK since 1990 come out to be 48% (Prostate Cancer Statistics. 2021). This
means that there is an increase in the cases of prostate cancer by 48%. Alternatively, on looking

at a region wise data published by mk. G Cancer Research UK with reference to incidence rate of
prostate cancer among males indicates that England have a highest number of cases that is,
44365 out 54254 cases while other cases are associated with Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland Prostate Cancer Statistics, (2021).
On looking at age specific data published by Cancer Research UK, it has been found that
the prostate cancer incidence rate begins to rise from 45 years and continues till the age group of
75 to 79 years and accordingly the incidence rate is at its peak. Therefore, it can be said that the
risk of diagnosing with prostate cancer increases with the increase in age. This indicates
accumulation of damages within the cell DNA over the time Prostate Cancer Statistics, (2021).
Moreover, the rate of diagnosis and surviving through the incidence of prostate cancer
found out to be as more than 40000 men of England are diagnosed with this type of cancer every
year. However, around 9000 men of England out of 11900 males of UK dies of prostate cancer
every year which gives 32 deaths per day due to prostate cancer. Accordingly, there were highest
mortality rate due to prostate cancer among males who are 90+ years of age Cancer Research
UK, (2021).
Across UK, 1 out 8 men is likely to get diagnosed with prostate cancer giving rise to a
death in every hour within England due to prostate cancer. As per the research conducted by
Office of National Statistics, it has been found that the risk to prostate cancer is higher within
UK or especially in regions such as England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is due to the
reason revolving around their age, ethnicity, genetic factors or family history Cancer
Registration statistics, (2021). Furthermore, diet is found out to be the biggest factor causing
prostate cancer which includes saturated animal fat, excessive consumption of red meat, dairy
products, alcohol and coffee where obesity and minimal physical activities are among other
factors causing increased risk of prostate cancer.
According to the data published by NHS, it has been stated that most of the prostate
cancer are associated with old age men belonging from black ethnicity and are suffering from
obesity. Therefore, when the number of cases associated with obesity gets reduced, there are
major chances of getting lower cases with regard to prostate cancer within UK among males PSA
Testing, (2021).

At last, it has been seen through NHS data that there is excessive PSA testing within UK
(Prostate Specific Antigen) which is considered as an unreliable testing due to giving false
positive and false negative results PSA Testing, (2021). Accordingly, misleading statistics are
obtained with regard to prostate cancer.
Theme 3: Steps taken by government to minimize the negative impact of prostate cancer and
bodies involved in the same
It has been analysed that prostate cancer is one of the most dangerous disease and
government also involved in order to make awareness program so that the number of patients can
be decreases. Abida and et al. (2019) examined that UK National Screening Committee has
recently consulted about this cancer create an awareness program in which they make men
realise about the issue so that they can treat themselves as early as possible. In this, a complete
information has also been provided to men because research stated that most of the people are
not well aware about prostate cancer and the type of treatment they require. Earlier it has been
analysed that people require both type of knowledge but current evidence shows that a
systematic screening programme actually do more harm than other. At that time, government
bodies started implementing awareness campaign whose aim is to increase the number of men in
order to take their prostate specific antigen test that help to diagnose the health of men within a
population. However, Bass and et.al., (2021) critically analysed that Publish Health England also
determine that many people will not make this situation satisfactory. That is why, a specific
evidence-based information for GP should be provided where they can easily critically analyse
about the test. Hence, it can be stated that there is a need to effective strategies are derived by the
government and make effective steps in order to generate a better outcome.
Apart from this, there are many (non -governmental organizations) NGO and different
government bodies involved within a country in order to provide proper care to the people so that
men can live a good life. True NTH is one of the best global initiatives that tackle critical areas
of a prostate cancer care which is run across different borders. Murthy and et.al., (2021)
explained in their study that the main aim of True NTH (nothing) is to make a step that led to
change in survivorship outcome among men. It is mainly run by partnership with different
healthcare professionals, academic and volunteer which is being managed by prostate cancer
UK. In addition to this, it can be also evaluated that it is a kind of support programme which is

mainly develop a treatment decision help for men as well as localised so that the chances of
prostate cancer can be treat easily (Prostate cancer awareness programmed campaign, 2021).
Apart from this, many organisations also provide training session to the health professionals so
that they can be easily provide best support for men in order to make effective decision as well.
Overall, it can be stated that with the increase number of cancer patients, there is a need
to make effective outcome and make effective strategies so that best outcome can be generated.
That is why, it can be stated that involving many government bodies and NGO in order to create
a better outcome will be more beneficial to make people aware about the disease.
Through this literature review, it has been identified that the number of prostate cancer people
keep increases year by year. The number has been varying in each location within UK which in
turn shows that government need to take the issue seriously. For example, the government
website drawn the number of patients at the year 2018 which reflected that across UK, more than
47 thousand men diagnosed and among them 129 men were affected daily (Pernar and et.al.,
2018). However, every 45 minutes one man dies due to the issue and this in turn causes a direct
negative impact over their lives. Apart from this, in England, in every year, 40000 men are
diagnosed and 9000 men died every year. The number actually consider one of the critical issues
for the society as well as government because the symptoms of prostate cancer is not shown
initially. That is why, in every state of UK, the number of patients keep increases along with
number of deaths as well.
In addition to this, the data driven from (national health trust) NHS also reflected that
there are many causes that lead to increase prostate cancer which include age, ethnic group,
obesity, diet. It has been already analysed that in UK, the number of people suffered from
obesity and that is why, the chances of prostate cancer will automatically increase. Therefore,
from official sites, it has been interpreted that there are no authentic causes recognise in order to
identify the symptoms in order increase the number of patients (Kimura and Egawa, 2018). Apart
from this, government also help to create a positive impact over the society because it keeps
implement awareness campaign and this in turn assist to generate a better outcome. Moreover, at
the age of 45, there is a need to conduct free sample test among men so that it will identify the
number of prostate cancers within UK. Also, different NGO has been also set up which conduct

partnership among the health care centre so that awareness program can be conducted in an
effective manner and this causes positive impact over the results too.
Future research
For future research, it is also suggested to use primary data collection methods in the
research in near future so that fresh and authentic research can be derived in order to identify the
views of key stakeholders and the government officials regarding prostate cancer prevention.
METHODOLOGY
Research type
There are two types of the research which are used by the scholar i.e., qualitative and
quantitative (McIntosh and et.al., 2021). As per the current research topic, only qualitative
research type has been adopted by investigator in order to understand key stakeholders and
government views towards prostate cancer prevention. The rationale for choosing this
methodology is such that it deals with theories and concepts, so opting qualitative type will be
beneficial.
Research approach
Approach in research is all about the plan and procedure which is comprises of all the
steps of broad assumptions that helps to conduct research in an appropriate manner (Pandey and
Pandey, 2021). Inductive and deductive are two main types of approaches used by the scholar. In
order to investigate the trend and conduct a study on prostate cancer, inductive over deductive
has been opted. It is because the term is deal with qualitative research and that is why, opting
inductive assist to generate a valid result by selecting best article for the research.
Research philosophy
Philosophy in research is deal with assumption, knowledge as well as nature of a study so
with the help of chosen philosophy scholar get different assumption regarding the topic. It is
mainly of two types such as interpretivism and positivism (Nayak and Singh, 2021). In
accordance with the chosen type, scholar uses interpretivism research philosophy in order to
generate a valid result by observing world and trend. In addition to this, with the help of this

philosophy, a meaningful conclusion drawn related to rate of prostate cancer in UK and ways to
minimize the same.
Data collection
Data collection is all about information collected in a form of a number and text that
assist to take research in an appropriate manner. Data can be collected in two forms such as
primary and secondary, which help to make a successful decision. With the help of primary
research, scholar can collect fresh information and assists to collect views from the respondents.
Whereas, under secondary research scholar can collect the published articles and then make
decision The participants, key stakeholders, will be recruited purposefully and they provide their
consent by signing their consent form so that they provide their opinion. Further, they are
recruited via email.
In the present research, both primary and secondary data collection method will be opt.
Under primary, only survey method will be used through the means of questionnaire and this in
turn assist to create a better outcome. Also, for that 30 government officers who work for
Protract cancer will be selected via email in order to determine their views pertaining to chosen
topic. This can be performed within 15 days and for secondary data collection method only
relevant data and article will be selected that published after 2017.
Data analysis
In order to analyse the data in an effective manner, scholar uses only thematic data
analysis method which assist to determine the actual trend (Urcia, 2021). In thus, scholar uses
diagram, table and charts so that effective outcome can be generated and assist to provide a
meaningful conclusion. This assist to conduct a study in a precise manner.
Ethical consideration
It is essential for the researcher to comply with ethical principle and this in turn assist to
generate a better outcome. Moreover, the data must be de-identified before release to a
researcher and the data used by the scholar should not be cause any damage or inappropriate. In
addition to this, data protection act needs to be complied by the researcher which entails that the

researcher maintains the dignity and protect the personal or sensitive information from third
party (Ngozwana, 2018). That is why, the results generated by an investigator appropriate and
provide a right direction as well.
Reliability and validity
This is also considered one of the most important key aspects for the research because
selecting a valid and reliable resource for the study help to improve the result and lead towards
valid conclusion as well. In addition to this, for validity aspect, scholar need to select the article,
books, journals that provide valid outcome according to a topic which are published latest that
helps to provide the details and develop understanding (McCosker and Gerrard, 2021). Further,
under reliability aspect, scholar will select those article which are copyright protected so that
effective outcome can be generated in order to meet the research objectives.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
By summing up above report, it has been concluded that the rate of increasing prostate
cancer is increases year by year, that is why, there is a need to choose the ways to improve the
same. Through the above study, it has been concluded that by using qualitative research, scholar
can review the already conducted research which entails that people are not well aware with the
issue and this in turn cause negative impact over their health. Through the secondary research, it
has been summarised that the trend of a disease keep increases from last many years but
government play an important role to create awareness which include campaign, tie up with
NGO, provide effective equipment etc. However, there are many (non- governmental
organisation) NGO and international initiatives who also assist to create well awareness among
people so that they can reduce the number of prostate cancer patients in UK.
Suggestions
There are different ways which will be helpful to improve the number of patients among
UK, these are as mentioned below:

 It is to be suggested that different NGO need to be set up that provide initial treatment
and conduct test regarding the prostate cancer among men. It will help to reduce the
number of death rate in UK.
 It is also suggested to set up different training and development session for professionals
so that advance technology can be used for treating the people effectually. This will
minimise the number of patients and reduce the negative impact as well.
 Further, it is to be recommended to create different awareness program that helps to
aware people about the disease so that initially people will be diagnosed and does not
affect the lives. This help to create a positive impact over society and experience good
among men as well.

REFERENCES
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Online
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