Supportive care needs of men living with prostate cancer in England: a survey
2008

Supportive Care Needs of Men with Prostate Cancer

Sample size: 741 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ream E, Quennell A, Fincham L, Faithfull S, Khoo V, Wilson-Barnett J, Richardson A

Primary Institution: King's College London

Hypothesis

What are the supportive care needs of men living with prostate cancer in England?

Conclusion

Men with prostate cancer in England have significant unmet supportive care needs, particularly related to psychological distress and sexuality.

Supporting Evidence

  • 741 men participated in the survey, reporting various unmet supportive care needs.
  • High levels of psychological distress were reported, particularly among those uncertain of their remission status.
  • Unmet sexuality-related needs were highest in younger men following radical prostatectomy.

Takeaway

This study found that many men with prostate cancer need more help, especially with their feelings and sexual health.

Methodology

A postal questionnaire survey was conducted across six NHS Trusts in England.

Potential Biases

The opt-in approach may have led to selection bias, as only interested men were invited to participate.

Limitations

The sample may be unrepresentative of all men living with prostate cancer, and the study relied on self-reported data.

Participant Demographics

The sample consisted mainly of Caucasian British males, with a mean age of 70.2 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6604406

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