A Review of Misinformation about Prostate Cancer: Gaps from existing literature and Agenda of future research (Preprint)
Authors: Muhia Isaac Njiraini , Arya Ritu , Kanozia Rubal 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

The identification and resolution of misinformation pertaining to prostate cancer is of paramount significance. The acquisition of precise and dependable information is of utmost importance for patients to make well-informed decisions regarding their healthcare and potential courses of treatment (Gigerenzer et al., 2007). Healthcare practitioners require dependable sources to deliver care based on empirical evidence and proficiently interact with their clientele. Addressing misinformation can lead to better patient outcomes, improved doctor-patient rapport, and optimized healthcare utilization in the management of prostate cancer (Wafi et al., 2018).

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of misinformation pertaining to prostate cancer, in regard to the quality and accuracy of online health information, patient perspectives and decision-making, prevention and diagnosis/screening, and treatment options. The study further elucidates the sources and dissemination mechanisms of such misinformation, analyzes the impact of misinformation on patients and healthcare professionals, and deliberates on the initiatives and interventions implemented to counteract misinformation(Lledo et al., 2021). Through the process of synthesizing the extant evidence, our aim is to furnish valuable insights and recommendations that can be applied to clinical practice, policy formulation, and future research endeavors in the domain of prostate cancer and misinformation (Li et al., 2022).

METHODS

The current literature review involved the analysis of 27 research studies conducted between the years 2004 and 2023. The present study employs a systematic literature review to conduct an in-depth analysis of misinformation in prostate cancer. This approach draws on previous research conducted in the field (Sharma et al., 2019). Jabbour (2013) asserts that the utilization of a systematic literature review (SLR) proves advantageous in the consolidation of findings from various studies pertaining to emerging topics, such as the dissemination of inaccurate information in the context of prostate cancer. Moreover, a systematic literature review (SLR) plays a crucial role in the process of identifying, selecting, and critically evaluating relevant research studies in order to address a well-defined research question (Dewey &Drahota, 2016). The study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic literature reviews, which provide a comprehensive framework for outlining the study protocols of such reviews. In this study, researchers employed a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures to identify rigorous gaps. The analysis was conducted using both approaches, and the findings are presented accordingly. Ahmed and Matthes (2016) have provided a comprehensive framework for conducting a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using Thematic Analysis. In this study, we employ the same methodology to identify robust research gaps and thematic patterns, which will guide future research endeavors in this field.

RESULTS

The results of the study highlight a need for further research in Africa and Asia to contribute to the existing knowledge base. Misinformation pertaining to prostate cancer can be observed throughout different stages of the healthcare continuum, encompassing prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The review has identified several prominent themes pertaining to the dissemination of misinformation in the context of prostate cancer. The themes were: Quality and Accuracy of Online Health Information; Patients’ Perspectives and Decision-making related to Prostate Cancer; Misinformation in Prevention, Diagnosis/Screening about Prostate Cancer; Misinformation about Prostate Cancer Treatment; Social Media & Prostate Cancer Misinformation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes the significance of guiding patients toward reliable cancer resources and advocates for potential oversight by the medical and technology communities, given the prevalence of misleading or inaccurate information on prostate cancer shared on social media. The utilization of internet-based communication for self-education on disease processes is making social media a significant concern in the field of medicine. Patients are increasingly turning to the internet for supplemental information about their disease, indicating a shift away from physicians as the primary source of health information. Comprehending the origins and distribution of inaccurate information pertaining to prostate cancer facilitates the implementation of focused interventions and educational initiatives. Through targeted interventions aimed at the platforms, channels, and communities where misinformation proliferates, healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and policymakers can devise efficacious strategies to combat misinformation. The aforementioned tactics may comprise endeavors to verify factual accuracy, provision of educational materials, and partnerships with reliable entities to facilitate the dissemination of precise information and equip individuals with the ability to make knowledgeable choices concerning prostate cancer (Chan et al., 2021). By engaging in cooperative efforts, conducting ongoing investigations, and executing efficient tactics, healthcare professionals and institutions can exert significant influence in enhancing the quality and accuracy of online health-related data. This, in turn, can promote informed decision-making and yield superior outcomes in the management of prostate cancer (Pratsinis et al., 2021).