ABSTRACT: Literature Review

Aim: To explore the impact of a Prostate Cancer (PC) diagnosis on men’s quality-of-life. Search Strategy:A literature review regarding PC experiences was conducted involving searching databases: Ebsco, Ovid, Medline, Cinahl... [ view full abstract ]

Aim: To explore the impact of a Prostate Cancer (PC) diagnosis on men’s quality-of-life.

Search Strategy:A literature review regarding PC experiences was conducted involving searching databases: Ebsco, Ovid, Medline, Cinahl and Fact Finder. National and international literature was included. Keywords were: prostate cancer, impact of diagnosis, male sexual dysfunction, urology, men’s health, prostatectomy, radiotherapy and quality-of-life.

Background: Cancer is typically life-threatening requiring aggressive therapies. Living with PC and treatment side-effects brings overwhelming life changes. PC constitutes the most frequent cause of death for uniquely male cancers. As a dearth of research exists on the effect of PC diagnosis this review is timely due to an increasing older population in Ireland and treatments that prolong life. The following areas were reviewed: Risk Factors; Diagnosis & Treatment; Information & Support Needs; Theories of Masculinity; Quality-of-Life; Assessment of Sexuality; Feelings of Regret.

Findings: many aspects of men’s quality-of-life are affected. Themes of masculinity, treatment side effects and on-going care were explored. The masculine persona may hinder men from coming forward and seeking help. There is a better chance of treating cancer when diagnosed early. However, evidence of introducing a screening programme based on PSA testing was inconclusive.

The literature shows patients often experience a lack of information regarding the impact of diagnosis, the referral procedure, long term monitoring, relapse and palliative care. Initiatives to improve this should be a priority. Research is needed to establish Irish men’s views to ascertain the impact of diagnosis and how treatment is provided in terms of information, quality-of-care; attitudes to male sexual issues; and patient care post hospital discharge. PC health promotion is difficult – it’s a condition with varying causes, and risk factors cannot be modified. Self-initiated screening and patient pro-activeness in the “at risk” groups would appear the best option at present.