Personality and Utilization of Prostate Cancer Testing

Abstract

The present study represents the first instance in which participants’ personalities have been systematically measured in relation with prostate cancer (PCa) screening behavior. Cross-sectional data were collected between 2010 and 2011 in Estonia. Subjects were 371 men, 62 of whom were first-time patients of andrology clinic, and 309 were men of probability sample. Neuroticism had a significant inverse association with past, present, and future attendance. In contrary, conscientiousness had a significant positive association with PCa testing attendance in the past and present, and intention to attend PCa testing in the future. In conclusion, as PCa screening is no longer recommended by specialists, it becomes more important to offer personality-based counseling for age-eligible men.