Survivors’ perspectives on the impact of prostate cancer: Implications for oncology nurses

Abstract

Providing effective care for individuals with prostate cancer is an important issue for oncology nurses. However, the paucity of empirical work regarding the impact of prostate cancer presents a limitation in designing and implementing appropriate nursing interventions. This article presents the findings from a national survey of 621 Canadian men living with prostate cancer regarding the impact of their disease and the availability of support. The most frequently identified problems included sexual function, side effects, fear of dying, incontinence, anger and pain. Approximately one-third of the respondents experienced a lifestyle change, but relatively few indicated experiencing a negative impact from the changes they experienced. The majority of respondents indicated they had been informed accurately about their treatment, but dissatisfaction was expressed regarding lack of information about emotional reactions, alternative therapies, how to speak with other prostate cancer patients and the availability of counselling and self-help groups. Clearly these results have implications for oncology nurses.

The influence of developmental life stage on quality of life in survivors of prostate cancer and their partners

“…Many investigators have reported that bowel problems, bladder difficulties and sexual dysfunction occurring after treatment for prostate cancer are common side effects of treatment [24][25][26]. Sexual dysfunction, very common following a radical prostatectomy, can negatively affect men's quality of life [27][28][29][30] and have a profound effect on the men's emotional well-being [31]. Incontinence, impotence, loss of libido and fatigue resulting from treatment affect the lives of both patients and their spouses and can diminish the quality of life of both [32][33][34][35][36].…”

Helping patients with localized prostate carcinoma manage uncertainty and treatment side effects

“…[23][24][25] Among men with early-stage prostate carcinoma, uncertainties about how to manage incontinence and how to gain control over urine flow are the immediate major concerns. 26 These are followed closely by concerns about compromised potency. In patients with early-stage prostate carcinoma, treatment side effects persist as well as concerns about treatment efficacy, and patients may interpret any new symptom as a sign that the disease is returning.…”

“…20,21 Changes in lifestyle may be necessary, and coping with the changes may require new types of information and the development of new skills. 22 Men with prostate carcinoma must make decisions about treatment and management after treatment in the face of a great deal of uncertainty about the course of their disease, the effectiveness of treatment, and the impact of the disease on their future. [23][24][25] Among men with early-stage prostate carcinoma, uncertainties about how to manage incontinence and how to gain control over urine flow are the immediate major concerns.…”

“…30 -34 Although uncertainty can be alleviated by information from health care providers, patients with prostate carcinoma have reported that they do not receive adequate help for the problems that result from the disease or from medical intervention. 22 The intimate and embarrassing nature of the treatment side effects may make it difficult for older men to address these issues with medical staff. 35,36 Despite the predominance of this experience, little is known about whether psychoeducational interventions to promote skills in managing uncertainty among patients with prostate carcinoma can result in better informed patients with greater skill in managing treatment side effects and improved quality of life.…”

Evaluation of an instrument to assess the needs of men diagnosed with prostate carcinoma

“…9,11,13,40 -43 Likewise, other factors identified correspond with published research, which suggests that impotence and the effect on relationships and incontinence are of major concern to men diagnosed with prostate carcinoma. 44,45 Throughout the questionnaire development phase, care was taken to incorporate language used by the men in their communication of concerns and needs and to construct the questionnaire on a time sequence of events from diagnosis, treatment decisions, and initial experiences to current issues. The format used in the PCNQv1.1 was an important dimension of the need questionnaire.…”