Objective

To characterize socioeconomic, demographic, health and clinical aspects of men with prostate cancer in the state of Maranhão, Brazil.

Methodology

Prospective, descriptive primary study.

Results

Of 226 men with prostate cancer, 44.2% were aged 71-80 years, 82.3% self-reported as mestizo, and 62.8% were not retired. Moreover, 90.3% had a monthly income of up to two minimum wages, 63.7% had less than eight years of schooling, 80.5% were married, 61.9% were from the interior of the state, and 76.1% did not practice physical activity. Regarding their health, 53.1% sought health care only when they presented a problem and 51.3% underwent prostatectomy.

Conclusion

Tools and strategies developed for the male public should focus on the promotion and prevention of prostate cancer, taking into account the inherent characteristics of men by region, thus enabling early diagnosis and consequent possibility of cure.