Awareness of Prostate Cancer and the Role of Ultrasound in Diagnosis Among Men in Kano Metropolis, North West Nigeria

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin male cancer in Nigeria, yet awareness of its early detection pathways, including the role of transrectal ultrasound in diagnosis and staging, remains limited among men in the North West zone where healthcare-seeking behaviour for prostate health is constrained by cultural and religious factors. This study assesses the awareness of prostate cancer risk and the role of ultrasound in its diagnosis among men aged 40 years and above in Kano Metropolis. A cross-sectional descriptive survey is conducted among 250 men sampled from five community health centres in Kano Municipal and Nassarawa local government areas. A structured questionnaire assesses prostate cancer risk factor knowledge, prior screening history, awareness of ultrasound and prostate-specific antigen testing, and perceived barriers to seeking diagnostic imaging. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis are computed in SPSS. Literature from North West Nigeria identifies low health literacy regarding prostate cancer, cultural reluctance to discuss urological symptoms, and limited awareness of available diagnostic technologies as the primary barriers to prostate cancer detection in this population. The Health Belief Model provides the theoretical framework for interpreting knowledge-action gaps. Findings are expected to reveal poor prostate cancer awareness and very low ultrasound and PSA screening uptake. Recommendations address prostate health community education campaigns, mosque-based health awareness programmes, and subsidised screening initiatives targeting men above 40 in Kano State. Keywords: prostate cancer awareness, ultrasound, Kano, male cancer screening, North West Nigeria.