Psychosocial factors predicting cancer screening in Nigerian men

Despite being the most prevalent cancer type among men in Nigeria, AllAfrica (2019) reports that 82% of Nigerian men, aged 40 and above, have never screened for prostate cancer. This pattern is equally evident among Nigerian men with higher education, better access to health care, and exposure to health prevention messages. To better understand this trend in cancer screening among Nigerian men, I investigated factors that predict cancer screening amongst Nigerian men. Participants (N=143) responded to measures of masculinity, attachment styles, cancer detection behaviors, and additional ecological and demographic questions. Results revealed significant association of identification with masculinity norms and attachment styles with cancer screening. This finding provides support for the need for a more-targeted cancer prevention intervention for Nigerian men.