Support Needs After Prostate Cancer Treatment With Curative Intent

Patients who have undergone prostate cancer treatment with curative intent demonstrated lingering symptoms and concerns throughout the first year after this treatment, according to a recent study. The study’s results were published in the journal Patient Preference and Adherence.

This qualitative study was based in Stockholm, Sweden, and included data from semi-structured individual patient interviews and a focus group interview with health care professionals. The researchers used interview responses to identify themes pertaining to patients’ symptoms and symptom management during the first year following treatment with curative intent for prostate cancer. 

Seventeen patients and 5 healthcare professionals were included in the study. Patients were a median 73 years old (range, 56 to 80 years). A total of 8 of the patients had undergone radical prostatectomy, and 9 had underwent radiotherapy/brachytherapy combined with hormonal treatment. Interviews occurred at a median 4 months (IQR, 2-9 months) after the end of treatment. Healthcare professionals in this study had a median 20 years (range, 2 to 42 years) of experience working in cancer rehabilitation.

The researchers identified 2 main themes from the participant interviews: living with the consequences of treatment and navigating a new situation. 

The first theme associated with changes related to losing control of bodily functions, such as bladder, bowel, and sexual functions. These changes reportedly affected patients’ daily lives and their sense of masculinity, in addition to causing emotional distress and a perception of living in an unfamiliar body. A lack of energy was also reported among patients, especially during the initial months following treatment. 

Regarding the second theme, patients reportedly showed a variety of self-management approaches, owing to differences in individual factors. Information and support from family and healthcare professionals were important to patients within the context of this theme. However, patients also reported feeling alone with their concerns and side effects, wishing for additional support. Healthcare workers also expressed concerns about patients not receiving adequate support.

Both patients and healthcare providers described challenges with discussing symptoms. Healthcare providers also expressed that staff may require education to appropriately assist patients with this condition.

“Patients with prostate cancer were shown to have lingering symptom distress and challenging physical and psychological transitions during the first year after the end of treatment, and their self-management strategies varied,” the researchers wrote in their report. They also suggested that timely and tailored support should be given to these patients right after they complete treatment with curative intent.