Positive Health Online

Abstract

STEGINGA and colleagues, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Australia, ssteginga@qldcancer.com.au, assessed the supportive care needs of men with prostate cancer .

Background

Diagnosis and subsequent treatment of prostate cancer is followed by significant disease-specific and iatrogenic sequelae. However, supportive care needs of men with prostate cancer are not well documented.

Methodology

206 men aged 48-85 years (mean 68) with prostate cancer, who were members of prostate cancer self-help groups in Queensland, Australia, completed the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS) (a response rate of 62%). The SCNS is a validated measure assessing perceived need in the domains of: psychological needs, health system and information needs, physical and daily living needs, patient care and support, and sexuality . Also included were items assessing access to services and resources .

Results

A third of respondents reported a moderate-to-high need for help for multiple items in the sexuality, psychological and health system, and information domains . Younger men reported greater need in the sexuality domain. Living in major urban centres was predictive of greater psychological need. Being closer to the time of diagnosis was related to greater need in the physical and daily living domain. Having prostate cancer that was not in remission, having received radiation therapy, and lower levels of education were predictive of greater need in the patient care and support domain. 55% of respondents had used alternative cancer treatments in the past 12 months . Younger and more-educated men were more likely to use alternative therapies.

Conclusion

Interventions in sexuality, psychological concerns and information support are priorities for men with prostate cancer.

References

Steginga SK et al. The supportive care needs of men with prostate cancer (2000). Psychooncology 10 (1): 66-75. Jan-Feb 2001.

Comment

The scientific language in the above background to this research update “Diagnosis and subsequent treatment of prostate cancer is followed by significant disease-specific and iatrogenic sequelae” means, in ordinary language that often the actual medical treatment for prostate cancer causes complications. These often include impotence and incontinence, not a happy outcome for the vast majority of men. In view of the fairly dire side effects of prostate cancer treatment, it is not very surprising that men being treated for prostate cancer require psychological support!