Making sense of symptoms in men with prostate cancer: a longitudinal qualitative exploration

Abstract

Within the UK, prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in men. Treatments for prostate cancer are associated with short‐term and long‐term side effects. Previous research in this area has mainly concentrated on symptom severity in relation to quality of life and has been largely quantitative in nature. The aim of this research study was to explore the perception and meaning of symptoms experienced by men with prostate cancer, from the patients' perspective. Ten men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer, undergoing treatment, were interviewed four times over 1 year. Interviews were analysed using an analytic framework underpinned by the common sense model. The men tended to minimize their symptom experience and cancer diagnoses over all four interviews. They were less likely to minimize symptoms if they believed their symptoms might be due to disease progression. Men appeared passive in their care and reluctant to ask questions; they did not appear to understand post‐treatment follow‐up procedures and this led to feelings of abandonment. This study is one of the only studies to explore how men perceive, appraise and manage symptoms related to prostate cancer over the first year after diagnosis. This may help health professionals when planning interventions and services for men with prostate cancer. Passivity in care appeared related to information deficits; patients need to be empowered to become active partners in their care.

A Qualitative Exploration of Prostate Cancer Survivors Experiencing Psychological Distress: Loss of Self, Function, Connection, and Control

“…Comparisons with our main sample of non-distressed men suggest that these coping strategies appeared to sometimes be problematic. This confirms previous work suggesting that strategies of concealment, stoicism and avoidance can contribute to negative adjustment, information deficits and social isolation in men with cancer (Brunton, Booker, & Molassiotis, 2012;Matheson et al, 2016). These strategies are also problematic if used excessively or rigidly, as they leave men vulnerable by being less able to access support networks (Bilsker et al, 2018).…”

A methodological review of qualitative longitudinal research in nursing

“…(); t Hamilton, Williams, Skirton, and Bowers, ; u Kaiser (); v Warin (); w Guillemin and Gillam (); x Brunton et al. ().…”

“…Consider keywords carefully to assure appropriate indexing (i.e., longitudinal study; qualitative research) 2). Use keywords in the title and abstract Hamilton, Williams, Skirton, and Bowers, 2009;u Kaiser (2009); v Warin (2011); w Guillemin and Gillam (2004); x Brunton et al (2012). review of QLR in nursing. The methodological quality of the studies varied tremendously; many would not meet the quality standards for reporting qualitative research in general (O'Brien et al, 2014;Tong et al, 2007).…”

The experience and perceptions of men with prostate cancer and their partners of the CONNECT psychosocial intervention: a qualitative exploration

“…Qualitative methodologies have proved useful in exploring other aspects of prostate cancer such as men's experiences (Hagen et al 2007, Lindqvist et al 2008, Sinfield et al 2008, Jonsson et al 2010, O'Brien et al 2010, Kazer et al 2011, Rivera-Ramos & Buki 2011, Brunton et al 2012, Campbell & Campbell 2013, Han et al 2013 Why is this research needed?…”