A protocol for the exploration of strategies to reduce the burden of prostate cancer in South Africa's Eastern Cape province: A multi methods study

Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in men, disproportionately affects African populations with rural South Africa, especially the Eastern Cape, facing high prevalence due to healthcare inequalities, late diagnoses and limited resources. This study will play a role in aiding the responsiveness of the Eastern Cape Department of Health to deliver optimal cancer prevention and control for prostate cancer. Furthermore, it will highlight ways to destigmatise prostate cancer in African communities. MethodsA multi-methods approach conducted in the OR Tambo district, Eastern Cape. Phase 1 involves a scoping review to explore prostate cancer prevention strategies in Africa. Phase 2 is a quantitative cross-sectional study analysing secondary data of prostate cancer survivors. Phase 3 and 4 include qualitative interviews to assess survivors perceptions and the general male populations knowledge and attitudes towards prostate cancer care and attitudes towards prophylactic orchidectomy. AnalysisPhase 1, narrative synthesis of articles, summarising findings with tables, a PRISMA diagram for article selection and exclusions. Phase 2; data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, T-tests, ANOVA, logistic regression and chi-square tests in STATA. Phase 3; thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews using NVIVO 14 using inductive coding and a six-step approach to identify key themes. Phase 4; analysed using NVIVO 14 to identify themes related to PC knowledge and health behaviours. Ethics and DisseminationThis study received ethics approval from the Walter Sisulu University Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee with Ethics approval number WSUHREC014/2025 Informed written consent will be obtained for primary data, while secondary data will be anonymised. Findings will be shared through publications and conferences to advance prostate cancer prevention.