Keywords: prostate cancer; male health; movember

Background:

Diseases of the prostate and male reproductive system affect men across all age groups, with implications for quality of life and longevity. Despite this, men often delay preventive check-ups and specialist consultations, even when symptomatic.

Research questions:

Can preventive campaigns like Movember strengthen collaboration between GPs and urologists? Do such initiatives increase early detection and improve men’s health outcomes?

Method:

This multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in five Bulgarian cities using two different implementation models.
In one city, a community-based outreach model was applied, with a month-long screening campaign supported by extensive media promotion, allowing men of all ages to self-refer.
In four other cities, a GP-led referral model was used, where access to screening was provided through GP recommendation, primarily targeting men over 50 or those with symptoms.
Participant data included age, symptom status, and newly diagnosed conditions. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and comparatively between models using standard statistical methods.

Results:

In the community-based outreach model, an average of 432 men (range 360–570) participated over one month. Mean age was 62 (range 26–93). Symptomatic participants accounted for 75%, of whom 51% presented with new complaints, 23% had stable conditions, and 26% had disease progression. Oncological pathology was identified in 36%.
In the GP-led referral model, an average of 23 men participated per screening day (range 14–38), with a mean age of 74 (range 58–94). Symptomatic cases were 91%, including 32% with new complaints, 63% with worsening symptoms, and 5% asymptomatic.

Conclusions:

Both models improved collaboration between GPs and urologists and enhanced early detection. Community-based outreach resulted in higher participation and earlier-stage detection, while GP-led referral identified more severe or progressed cases. Regional infrastructure and system support determine the most suitable approach.

Points for discussion:

Can collaboration between GPs and urologists be strengthened through community-based men's health screening campaigns?