How ICTs can help in raising awareness about prostate cancer

October is globally recognised as cancer awareness month, a time dedicated to educating people about various forms of cancer, including prostate cancer.

This is particularly important for African men, who face disproportionately higher risks of developing prostate cancer compared to men from other ethnic groups.

Despite the severity of the disease, awareness about prostate cancer remains low, largely due to a lack of access to reliable information, cultural taboos and limited healthcare infrastructure in many African countries. The advent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) offers a unique and powerful tool for addressing these challenges.

By leveraging ICT platforms, African governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and healthcare providers can reach millions of men to educate them about prostate cancer, promote early detection and share strategies for prevention and management. I will explore how ICT can be used to educate African men about prostate cancer, its symptoms and how to reduce their risk.

Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland, which is a small gland responsible for producing seminal fluid in men. It is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide, with African men having the highest rates of prostate cancer incidences and mortality. Factors such as genetics, diet, lifestyle, and limited access to healthcare contribute to this disparity.

Symptoms of prostate cancer often do not appear until the disease has progressed, making early detection crucial. Common symptoms include difficulty in urinating, frequent urges to urinate, blood in the urine or semen, and discomfort in the pelvic area. However, many men may attribute these symptoms to aging, delaying medical consultation.

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Several barriers prevent African men from receiving adequate prostate cancer education and care:

Cultural taboos

Talking about men's health issues, especially those related to prostate cancer and the reproductive system, is often considered taboo in many African societies.

This reluctance to discuss prostate cancer results in a lack of information and low screening rates.

Limited healthcare access

Rural populations, in particular, have limited access to healthcare services, making it difficult for men to get screened regularly or receive treatment. Healthcare infrastructure in many African countries is under-resourced, and prostate cancer screenings may not be widely available.

Low awareness and misinformation

Many men are unaware of the risk factors and symptoms of prostate cancer. Additionally, misinformation can spread easily in the absence of reliable healthcare information, further exacerbating the problem.

Given these challenges, it is clear that ICT can play a transformative role in educating African men and breaking down the barriers that prevent them from seeking information and medical care.

How can ICT be used to educate?

With mobile phone penetration in Africa continuing to rise, mobile health (mHealth) applications present a promising avenue for prostate cancer awareness. mHealth apps can provide men with information about prostate cancer risk factors, symptoms and the importance of early screening. These apps can offer personalised risk assessments, reminders for regular screenings, and direct users to nearby healthcare facilities where they can get tested.

For example, a mobile app tailored for African men could feature educational videos, interactive questionnaires, and links to healthcare providers. Additionally, these apps can provide culturally sensitive content, breaking down complex medical terminology into simple language and addressing cultural taboos head-on. Gamification elements, such as quizzes or challenges, could also make learning about prostate cancer more engaging.

SMS and WhatsApp campaigns

Short messaging services (SMS) and WhatsApp campaigns are another effective way to reach a broad audience, especially in rural areas where internet access may be limited. SMS campaigns can send out daily or weekly tips on prostate health, inform men about upcoming screening events, or share the latest information on prostate cancer prevention.

In South Africa, for instance, SMS campaigns have been used successfully to raise awareness about HIV and tuberculosis. These campaigns can be adapted to educate men about prostate cancer, providing them with bite-sized information about the importance of early detection and how to schedule screenings. WhatsApp, which is widely used across Africa, could facilitate group discussions where men can ask questions, share experiences, and receive answers from healthcare professionals.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube offer an opportunity to reach millions of African men, especially the younger demographic. By sharing educational content, infographics, and testimonials from prostate cancer survivors, these platforms can help reduce the stigma surrounding prostate cancer.

Campaigns like ‘Movember,’ which encourages men to grow moustaches in November to raise awareness about men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, have shown how social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness. Similarly, African healthcare organisations and influencers could use social media to engage men in discussions about prostate health, encouraging them to take proactive steps in their healthcare journeys.

Telemedicine and virtual health consultations

Telemedicine platforms enable patients to consult with healthcare professionals remotely. This is particularly valuable for men in rural areas who may not have easy access to healthcare providers. Through video consultations, men can discuss their symptoms, receive advice on prostate cancer screening, and get referrals for further testing or treatment if necessary.

Telemedicine also allows for privacy and discretion, which can help overcome the cultural stigma that may prevent men from seeking in-person consultations. It gives men a safe space to ask questions and receive guidance without the fear of judgment.

E-learning platforms for healthcare providers

Educating healthcare providers in rural areas is just as important as educating the general public. Many healthcare workers in rural Africa may lack specialised training in prostate cancer screening and treatment. E-learning platforms can bridge this gap by providing healthcare workers with online courses, webinars and educational materials focused on prostate cancer.

Through these platforms, healthcare workers can learn how to conduct prostate cancer screenings, interpret results and provide patients with accurate information. This ensures that even in areas with limited access to specialists, men can receive the care and advice they need from local healthcare providers.

Radio and television campaigns

While ICT is often associated with digital platforms, traditional media such as radio and television remain powerful tools for communication, particularly in rural Africa. Prostate cancer awareness campaigns can be broadcast on local radio and TV stations, reaching men who may not have access to smartphones or the internet.

These broadcasts can feature interviews with healthcare professionals, discussions with prostate cancer survivors and educational segments that explain the importance of early detection. Programmes can be tailored to local languages and cultural contexts, ensuring that the message reaches a broad and diverse audience.

Preventing prostate cancer through lifestyle changes

In addition to raising awareness about the importance of early detection, ICT platforms can also be used to promote lifestyle changes that may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Several risk factors for prostate cancer are related to diet and lifestyle.

Educating men about these factors can play a role in prevention.

For example, mHealth apps, SMS campaigns, and social media platforms can provide men with information on diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in processed meats and fats, can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. ICT platforms can share healthy recipes, tips on balanced eating, and information on how to access affordable, nutritious food.

Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. ICT platforms can encourage men to stay active by providing exercise routines, fitness challenges, and motivational content.

Regular medical check-ups

Educating men about the importance of regular check-ups and screenings can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes. ICT platforms can send reminders, provide information on where to get screened, and help men understand the process and benefits of prostate cancer screenings.

• Mutisi is the CEO of Hansole Investments (Pvt) Ltd. He is the current chairperson of Zimbabwe Information & Communication Technology, a division of Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers. — +263772 278 161 or  chair@zict.org.zw