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Bancroft EK, Page EC, Brook MN, Pope J, Thomas S, Myhill K, Helfand BT, Talaty P, Ong KR, Douglas E, Cook J, Rosario DJ, Salinas M, Buys SS, Anson J, Davidson R, Longmuir M, Side L, Eccles DM, Tischkowitz M, Taylor A, Cruellas M, Ballestero EP, Cleaver R, Varughese M, Barwell J, LeButt M, Greenhalgh L, Hart R, Azzabi A, Jobson I, Cogley L, Evans DG, Rothwell J, Taylor N, Hogben M, Saya S, Eeles RA, Aaronson NK. The psychosocial impact of prostate cancer screening for BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers. BJU Int 2024; 134:484-500. [PMID: 38839570 DOI: 10.1111/bju.16432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To report the long-term outcomes from a longitudinal psychosocial study that forms part of the 'Identification of Men with a genetic predisposition to ProstAte Cancer: Targeted Screening in men at higher genetic risk and controls' (IMPACT) study. The IMPACT study is a multi-national study of targeted prostate cancer (PrCa) screening in individuals with a known germline pathogenic variant (GPV) in either the BReast CAncer gene 1 (BRCA1) or the BReast CAncer gene 2 (BRCA2). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Participants enrolled in the IMPACT study were invited to complete a psychosocial questionnaire prior to each annual screening visit for a minimum of 5 years. The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographics and the following measures: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Impact of Event Scale, 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, Memorial Anxiety Scale for PrCa, Cancer Worry Scale, risk perception and knowledge. RESULTS A total of 760 participants completed questionnaires: 207 participants with GPV in BRCA1, 265 with GPV in BRCA2 and 288 controls (non-carriers from families with a known GPV). We found no evidence of clinically concerning levels of general or cancer-specific distress or poor health-related quality of life in the cohort as a whole. Individuals in the control group had significantly less worry about PrCa compared with the carriers; however, all mean scores were low and within reported general population norms, where available. BRCA2 carriers with previously high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels experience a small but significant increase in PrCa anxiety (P = 0.01) and PSA-specific anxiety (P < 0.001). Cancer risk perceptions reflected information provided during genetic counselling and participants had good levels of knowledge, although this declined over time. CONCLUSION This is the first study to report the longitudinal psychosocial impact of a targeted PrCa screening programme for BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers. The results reassure that an annual PSA-based screening programme does not have an adverse impact on psychosocial health or health-related quality of life in these higher-risk individuals. These results are important as more PrCa screening is targeted to higher-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K Bancroft
- Oncogenetics Team, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Oncogenetics Team, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - Mark N Brook
- Oncogenetics Team, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Pope
- Oncogenetics Team, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Sarah Thomas
- Oncogenetics Team, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kathryn Myhill
- Oncogenetics Team, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Brian T Helfand
- Division of Urology, John and Carol Walter Center for Urological Health, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Pooja Talaty
- Division of Urology, John and Carol Walter Center for Urological Health, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Kai-Ren Ong
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Emma Douglas
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jackie Cook
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Monica Salinas
- Hereditary Cancer Program, ICO (Catalan Institute of Oncology), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Saundra S Buys
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jo Anson
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rosemarie Davidson
- West of Scotland Genetic Service, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mark Longmuir
- West of Scotland Genetic Service, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lucy Side
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Diana M Eccles
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, UK
- The University of Southampton Medical School, Southampton, UK
| | - Marc Tischkowitz
- East Anglian Medical Genetics Service, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Medical Genetics, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Amy Taylor
- East Anglian Medical Genetics Service, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mara Cruellas
- Hereditary Cancer Genetics Group, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Perez Ballestero
- Hereditary Cancer Genetics Group, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruth Cleaver
- Peninsula Clinical Genetics Service, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Mohini Varughese
- Peninsula Clinical Genetics Service, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Julian Barwell
- University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- University Hospitals Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Lynn Greenhalgh
- Liverpool Centre for Genomic Medicine, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rachel Hart
- Liverpool Centre for Genomic Medicine, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ashraf Azzabi
- Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Irene Jobson
- Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Lynn Cogley
- Peninsular Genetics, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
| | - D Gareth Evans
- Genomic Medicine, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jeanette Rothwell
- Genomic Medicine, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Natalie Taylor
- Oncogenetics Team, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Matthew Hogben
- Oncogenetics Team, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sibel Saya
- Oncogenetics Team, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rosalind A Eeles
- Oncogenetics Team, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Oncogenetics Team, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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The Development of iManage-PC, an Online Symptom Monitoring and Self-management Tool for Men With Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer. Cancer Nurs 2022; 45:E309-E319. [PMID: 33867430 PMCID: PMC8497651 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PC) often impacts 4 major aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQL): urinary, sexual, and bowel dysfunction, and anxiety. Online tools may be helpful in supporting the development of self-management skills that can improve HRQL. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop and pilot-test an online symptom monitoring and self-management program, iManage-PC. METHODS A literature search, input from experts, and feedback from patients were used to develop iManage-PC. A 4-week, single-arm pilot study was conducted with 96 men with prostate cancer. We evaluated system usability, acceptance, and satisfaction and examined preliminary effects on patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS Rates of retention (94.8%) and adherence to symptom monitoring (95.0%-97.0%) were high. Most participants rated the tool as satisfactory and acceptable (81.2%-94.3%). Related-samples Wilcoxon signed rank tests revealed that participants reported increased self-efficacy related to their ability to manage their adverse effects (T = 1772.0, P < .001, r = 0.39), physical discomfort (T = 1259.0, P < .001, r = 0.40), and stress and worry (T = 1108.5, P = .001, r = 0.34). Global mental and physical health also improved (T = 1322.0, P = .032, r = 0.23, and T = 1409.0, P = .001, r = 0.35, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Future research with such tools should examine the potential role of cut-score-derived management interventions to improve engagement, symptom management self-efficacy, and HRQL. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Our findings are consistent with a growing body of literature that supports the feasibility and acceptability of remotely delivered interventions.
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Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in Prostate Cancer Patients and Their Spouses: An Unaddressed Reality. Prostate Cancer 2020; 2020:4393175. [PMID: 32231798 PMCID: PMC7097760 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4393175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To estimate the prevalence of unsuspected anxiety or depression in prostate cancer patients and their spouses, as well as factors involved in its onset. Materials and Methods. A prospective study of 184 patients and 137 spouses evaluated in our hospital during 2019 using the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Patient Health Questionnaire depression module (PHQ-9). This study provides an internal validity assessment of the scales and their correlation (alpha and rho coefficients; index r). The contributions of age, education level, months after diagnosis, pain, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, stage of the disease and treatment performed to the positivity of the questionnaires were studied using the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney and chi-square tests. Results The prevalence of anxiety was 10.9% (MAX-PC) and 28.3% (MAX-PC-PSA). The HADS-A questionnaire indicated pathology in 14.1% of the patients and 16.05% of the spouses. Depression was detected in 7% (HADS-D) and 9.2% (PHQ-9) of patients as well as in 8.8% (HADS-D) and 16.05% (PHQ-9) of their spouses. The greatest concordance between men and women was with the PHQ-9 (Spearman's rho: 0.78; p = 0.01). Education level is significantly related to the presence of anxiety and depression, regardless of the questionnaire applied. The probability of detecting pathology in the MAX-PC varied from 6% in patients with elementary education to 23.5% in university students (p = 0.04). The greatest differences were detected when applying the PHQ-9 to patients (4% pathological, elementary education vs. 35.3% pathological, university education). Our study confirms the lack of a relationship between rates of anxiety and depression and factors such as PSA level, age of the patient and number of comorbidities. Conclusion There is a high prevalence of unsuspected anxiety and depression in patients with prostate cancer and their wives. Education level correlates with such prevalence.
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Bancroft EK, Saya S, Page EC, Myhill K, Thomas S, Pope J, Chamberlain A, Hart R, Glover W, Cook J, Rosario DJ, Helfand BT, Hutten Selkirk C, Davidson R, Longmuir M, Eccles DM, Gadea N, Brewer C, Barwell J, Salinas M, Greenhalgh L, Tischkowitz M, Henderson A, Evans DG, Buys SS, Eeles RA, Aaronson NK. Psychosocial impact of undergoing prostate cancer screening for men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. BJU Int 2019; 123:284-292. [PMID: 29802810 PMCID: PMC6378691 DOI: 10.1111/bju.14412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To report the baseline results of a longitudinal psychosocial study that forms part of the IMPACT study, a multi-national investigation of targeted prostate cancer (PCa) screening among men with a known pathogenic germline mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. PARTICPANTS AND METHODS Men enrolled in the IMPACT study were invited to complete a questionnaire at collaborating sites prior to each annual screening visit. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics and the following measures: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Impact of Event Scale (IES), 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer, Cancer Worry Scale-Revised, risk perception and knowledge. The results of the baseline questionnaire are presented. RESULTS A total of 432 men completed questionnaires: 98 and 160 had mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, respectively, and 174 were controls (familial mutation negative). Participants' perception of PCa risk was influenced by genetic status. Knowledge levels were high and unrelated to genetic status. Mean scores for the HADS and SF-36 were within reported general population norms and mean IES scores were within normal range. IES mean intrusion and avoidance scores were significantly higher in BRCA1/BRCA2 carriers than in controls and were higher in men with increased PCa risk perception. At the multivariate level, risk perception contributed more significantly to variance in IES scores than genetic status. CONCLUSION This is the first study to report the psychosocial profile of men with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations undergoing PCa screening. No clinically concerning levels of general or cancer-specific distress or poor quality of life were detected in the cohort as a whole. A small subset of participants reported higher levels of distress, suggesting the need for healthcare professionals offering PCa screening to identify these risk factors and offer additional information and support to men seeking PCa screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K. Bancroft
- Oncogenetics TeamRoyal Marsden NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Oncogenetics TeamInstitute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Sibel Saya
- Oncogenetics TeamRoyal Marsden NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Oncogenetics TeamInstitute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Elizabeth C. Page
- Oncogenetics TeamRoyal Marsden NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Oncogenetics TeamInstitute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Kathryn Myhill
- Oncogenetics TeamRoyal Marsden NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Oncogenetics TeamInstitute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Sarah Thomas
- Oncogenetics TeamRoyal Marsden NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Oncogenetics TeamInstitute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Jennifer Pope
- Oncogenetics TeamRoyal Marsden NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Oncogenetics TeamInstitute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Anthony Chamberlain
- Oncogenetics TeamRoyal Marsden NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Oncogenetics TeamInstitute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Rachel Hart
- Clinical Genetics UnitBirmingham Women's HospitalBirminghamUK
| | - Wayne Glover
- Clinical Genetics UnitBirmingham Women's HospitalBirminghamUK
| | - Jackie Cook
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics ServiceSheffield Children's HospitalSheffieldUK
| | | | - Brian T. Helfand
- John and Carol Walter Center for Urological HealthNorthShore University HealthSystemEvanstonILUSA
| | - Christina Hutten Selkirk
- John and Carol Walter Center for Urological HealthNorthShore University HealthSystemEvanstonILUSA
| | - Rosemarie Davidson
- Clinical Genetics DepartmentQueen Elizabeth University HospitalGlasgowUK
| | - Mark Longmuir
- Clinical Genetics DepartmentQueen Elizabeth University HospitalGlasgowUK
| | - Diana M. Eccles
- Wessex Clinical Genetics ServicePrincess Anne HospitalSouthamptonUK
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonUniversity Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthamptonUK
| | - Neus Gadea
- High Risk and Cancer Prevention ClinicVall d'Hebron University HospitalBarcelonaSpain
| | - Carole Brewer
- Clinical Genetics DepartmentRoyal Devon and Exeter HospitalExeterUK
| | - Julian Barwell
- Department of GeneticsUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
- Clinical GeneticsUniversity Hospitals LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - Monica Salinas
- Hereditary Cancer ProgrammeCatalan Institute of Oncology (ICO‐IDIBELL, CIBERONC)L'Hospitalet de LlobregatBarcelonaSpain
| | - Lynn Greenhalgh
- Cheshire and Mersey Clinical Genetics ServiceLiverpool Women's HospitalLiverpoolUK
| | - Marc Tischkowitz
- Academic Department of Medical GeneticsUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Alex Henderson
- Northern Genetics ServiceNewcastle upon Tyne HospitalsNewcastleUK
| | - David Gareth Evans
- Manchester Centre for Genomic MedicineCentral Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUK
| | - Saundra S. Buys
- Huntsman Cancer InstituteUniversity of Utah HealthSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | | | | | - Rosalind A. Eeles
- Oncogenetics TeamRoyal Marsden NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Oncogenetics TeamInstitute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Neil K. Aaronson
- Division of Psychosocial Research and EpidemiologyNetherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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Huang Q, Jiang P, Zhang Z, Luo J, Dai Y, Zheng L, Wang W. Assessing cancer-specific anxiety in Chinese men with prostate cancer: psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC). Support Care Cancer 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3794-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Nelson CJ, Starr TD, Macchia RJ, Hyacinthe L, Friedman S, Roth AJ. Assessing anxiety in Black men with prostate cancer: further data on the reliability and validity of the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC). Support Care Cancer 2016; 24:2905-11. [PMID: 26847348 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-016-3092-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The National Cancer Institute has highlighted the need for psychosocial research to focus on Black cancer patients. This applies to Black men with prostate cancer, as there is little systematic research concerning psychological distress in these men. This study was designed to validate the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC) in Black men with prostate cancer to help facilitate research within this group. METHODS At three institutions, Black men with prostate cancer (n = 101) completed the MAX-PC, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Distress Thermometer. RESULTS The average age of the 101 men was 66 (SD = 10) and 58 % had early-stage disease. The MAX-PC and its subscales (Prostate Cancer Anxiety, PSA Anxiety, and Fear of Recurrence) produced strong coefficient alphas (0.89, 0.88, 0.71, and 0.77, respectively). Factor analysis supported the three-factor structure of the scale established in earlier findings. The MAX-PC also demonstrated strong validity. MAX-PC total scores correlated highly with the Anxiety subscale of the HADS (r = 0.59, p < 0.01) and the FACT Emotional Well-Being subscale (r = -0.55, p < 0.01). Demonstrating discriminant validity, the correlation with the HADS Depression subscale (r = 0.40, p < 0.01) and the CES-D (r = 0.42, p < 0.01) was lower compared to that with the HADS Anxiety subscale. CONCLUSIONS The MAX-PC is valid and reliable in Black men with prostate cancer. We hope the validation of this scale in Black men will help facilitate psychosocial research in this group that is disproportionately adversely affected by this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J Nelson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA.
| | - Tatiana D Starr
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA
| | - Richard J Macchia
- Department of Urology, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, FL, USA.,Department of Urology, Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.,Department of Urology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | - Steven Friedman
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Andrew J Roth
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA
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Ussher JM, Perz J, Kellett A, Chambers S, Latini D, Davis ID, Rose D, Dowsett GW, Williams S. Health-Related Quality of Life, Psychological Distress, and Sexual Changes Following Prostate Cancer: A Comparison of Gay and Bisexual Men with Heterosexual Men. J Sex Med 2016; 13:425-34. [PMID: 26853048 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2015.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Decrements in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and sexual difficulties are a recognized consequence of prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. However little is known about the experience of gay and bisexual (GB) men. AIM HRQOL and psychosexual predictors of HRQOL were examined in GB and heterosexual men with PCa to inform targeted health information and support. METHOD One hundred twenty-four GB and 225 heterosexual men with PCa completed a range of validated psychosexual instruments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) was used to measure HRQOL, with validated psychosexual measures, and demographic and treatment variables used as predictors. RESULTS GB men were significantly younger (64.25 years) than heterosexual men (71.54 years), less likely to be in an ongoing relationship, and more likely to have casual sexual partners. Compared with age-matched population norms, participants in both groups reported significantly lower sexual functioning and HRQOL, increased psychological distress, disruptions to dyadic sexual communication, and lower masculine self-esteem, sexual confidence, and sexual intimacy. In comparison with heterosexual men, GB men reported significantly lower HRQOL (P = .046), masculine self-esteem (P < .001), and satisfaction with treatment (P = .013); higher psychological distress (P = .005), cancer related distress (P < .001) and ejaculatory concern (P < .001); and higher sexual functioning (P < .001) and sexual confidence (P = .001). In regression analysis, psychological distress, cancer-related distress, masculine self-esteem, and satisfaction with treatment were predictors of HRQOL for GB men (R2Adj = .804); psychological distress and sexual confidence were predictors for heterosexual men (R2Adj = .690). CONCLUSION These findings confirm differences between GB and heterosexual men in the impact of PCa on HRQOL across a range of domains, suggesting there is a need for GB targeted PCa information and support, to address the concerns of this "hidden population" in PCa care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane M Ussher
- Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Janette Perz
- Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Kellett
- Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suzanne Chambers
- Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP)
| | - David Latini
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Ian D Davis
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP); Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Duncan Rose
- Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gary W Dowsett
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Scott Williams
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP)
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Pearce SM, Wang CHE, Victorson DE, Helfand BT, Novakovic KR, Brendler CB, Albaugh JA. A Longitudinal Study of Predictors of Sexual Dysfunction in Men on Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer. Sex Med 2015; 3:156-64. [PMID: 26468379 PMCID: PMC4599553 DOI: 10.1002/sm2.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between sexual dysfunction, repeat biopsies and other demographic and clinical factors in men on active surveillance (AS). Methods Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) measures were administered at enrollment and every 6 months to assess quality of life (QOL), psychosocial and urological health outcomes. Using mixed-effects models, we examined the impact of repeat biopsies, total number of cores taken, anxiety, age, and comorbidity on sexual function over the first 24 months of enrolling in AS. Main Outcome Measures PROs included the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite-26 (EPIC-26) Sexual Function (SF) subscale, the American Urological Association-Symptom Index (AUA-SI), and the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC). Results At enrollment (n = 195), mean age was 66.5 ± 6.8 with a mean EPIC-26 SF score of 61.4 ± 30.4. EPIC-26 SF scores steadily decreased to 53.9 ± 30.7 at 24 months (P < 0.01). MAX-PC scores also progressively decreased over time (P = 0.03). Factors associated with lower EPIC-26 scores over time included age, unemployed status, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and hypertension (all P < 0.05). Higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was associated with a more rapid decline in EPIC-26 SF over time (P = 0.03). In multivariable analysis, age, diabetes, and PSA × time interaction remained significant predictors of diminished sexual function. Anxiety, number of biopsies, and total cores taken did not predict sexual dysfunction or change over time in our cohort. Conclusions Men on AS experienced a gradual decline in sexual function during the first 24 months of enrollment. Older age, PSA × time, and diabetes were all independent predictors of diminished sexual function over time. Anxiety, AUA-SI, the number of cores and the number of biopsies were not predictors of reduced sexual function in men in AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane M Pearce
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chi-Hsiung E Wang
- Department of Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston, IL, USA
| | - David E Victorson
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brian T Helfand
- Department of Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | - Charles B Brendler
- Department of Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Albaugh
- Department of Surgery, NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston, IL, USA
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Abstract
Patient self-reported symptoms are of crucial importance to identify anxiety disorders, as well as to monitor their treatment in clinical practice and research. Thus, for evidence-based medicine, a precise, reliable, and valid (ie, “objective”) assessment of the patient's reported “subjective” symptoms is warranted. There is a plethora of instruments available, which can provide psychometrically sound assessments of anxiety, but there are several limitations of current tools that need to be carefully considered for their successful use. Nevertheless, the empirical assessment of mental health status is not as accepted in medicine as is the assessment of biomarkers. One reason for this may be that different instruments assessing the same psychological construct use different scales. In this paper we present some new developments that promise to provide one common metric for the assessment of anxiety, to facilitate the general acceptance of mental health assessments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Rose
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Clinic, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusets, USA
| | - Janine Devine
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Clinic, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
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Wilcox CB, Gilbourd D, Louie-Johnsun M. Anxiety and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients undergoing active surveillance of prostate cancer in an Australian centre. BJU Int 2014; 113 Suppl 2:64-8. [PMID: 24894853 DOI: 10.1111/bju.12557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess anxiety, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and understanding of active surveillance (AS) in a cohort of patients enrolled in AS of prostate cancer in an Australian setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS Survey of 61 men currently enrolled in AS for prostate cancer, which included validated measures of sexual function using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), voiding using the International Prostate Symptom Severity Score (IPSS) and the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC), a measure of prostate cancer specific anxiety. Three novel questions to assess patients' Understanding of AS (UAS). IIEF-5 and IPSS scores obtained through the present survey were compared with patients' scores at initiation of AS. RESULTS In all, 47 of 61 (77%) patients responded to the survey. There was no significant difference in patients' IIEF-5 and IPSS scores at commencement of AS compared with the survey results. Our patients' on AS MAX-PC scores were consistent with other published cohorts and did not suggest high rates of clinically significant anxiety amongst this cohort. Most (89%) of the patients' responses to the UAS indicated a correct understanding of AS. CONCLUSION Our patients on AS maintained their HRQL with low levels of anxiety, which did not differ from those reported in other groups of men with prostate cancer and most had an appropriate understanding of AS. This study represents one of the first Australasian investigations on HRQL and anxiety in men on AS of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe B Wilcox
- Department of Urology, Gosford Hospital and Gosford Private Hospital, Gosford, NSW, Australia
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McDowell ME, Occhipinti S, Gardiner RA, Chambers SK. Prevalence and predictors of cancer specific distress in men with a family history of prostate cancer. Psychooncology 2013; 22:2496-504. [PMID: 23712946 DOI: 10.1002/pon.3312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine prevalence and predictors of cancer-specific distress in undiagnosed men with and without a family history of prostate cancer, and to examine the contribution of perceptions of an affected relative's cancer experience on the distress of unaffected male relatives. METHODS Men with a first degree relative with prostate cancer (n = 207) and men without a family history (n = 239) from Australia completed a Computer Assisted Telephone Interview. Participants completed the Prostate Cancer Anxiety Subscale of the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer, measures of perceived risk, and socio-demographic information. Men with a family history provided details about their family history (number of relatives diagnosed with and dead from prostate cancer, relationship to affected relative, months since diagnosis) and reported their perceptions of their affected relative's prostate cancer experience including perceptions of threat related to the relative's diagnosis and perceived treatment phase and prognosis. RESULTS Cancer-specific distress was low for all men and there was no significant difference in the distress experienced by men with and without a family history. Regression analyses showed that for all men, cancer-specific distress increased with urinary symptoms and decreased in those with higher education and in older participants. For men with a family history, having a relative who died from prostate cancer and perceiving greater threat from a relative's diagnosis was associated with greater cancer-specific distress. CONCLUSIONS Interventions would benefit from examining appraisals of familial risk and examining prospective assessments of distress in the unaffected male relatives of men with prostate cancer over the course of the cancer trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E McDowell
- Griffith Health Institute, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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12
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Tavlarides AM, Ames SC, Diehl NN, Joseph RW, Castle EP, Thiel DD, Broderick GA, Parker AS. Evaluation of the association of prostate cancer-specific anxiety with sexual function, depression and cancer aggressiveness in men 1 year following surgical treatment for localized prostate cancer. Psychooncology 2012; 22:1328-35. [PMID: 22855322 DOI: 10.1002/pon.3138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Revised: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-specific anxiety (CSA) can affect treatment decisions and is common in men following surgery for prostate cancer (PCa). We hypothesized that CSA is also associated with factors affecting quality of life. Herein, we examine the association of CSA with psychosocial factors and PCa aggressiveness in a cohort of men 1 year after prostatectomy for localized PCa. METHODS From our prospective PCa Registry, we identified 365 men who underwent prostatectomy for localized PCa who completed the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC) and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite at 1-year follow-up. We evaluated the association of scores on the MAX-PC with demographics, clinicopathologic features, sexual function, and depression scores using Wilcoxon Rank Sum and Kendall's tau correlation tests. RESULTS Higher scores on the MAX-PC (i.e., higher anxiety) are associated with younger age (p < 0.01) and non-Caucasian race (p < 0.01). Men with higher MAX-PC scores also reported poor sexual satisfaction/function (p < 0.01) and increasing depressive symptoms (p < 0.01). Finally, although higher anxiety is associated with several pathologic features of aggressiveness (stage, positive margins, PSA at 1 year; all p-values < 0.01), we noted several men with clinically indolent disease who reported significant anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that higher levels of CSA are associated with poor sexual function and increased depressive symptoms 1 year after prostatectomy. Moreover, we noted demographic and pathologic features associated with higher CSA as well. If confirmed, our data support development of models to predict men at high risk of CSA following PCa surgery and targeted referral for additional counseling.
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13
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Hemmerich JA, Ahmad FS, Meltzer DO, Dale W. African American men significantly underestimate their risk of having prostate cancer at the time of biopsy. Psychooncology 2011; 22:338-45. [PMID: 22095786 PMCID: PMC10157799 DOI: 10.1002/pon.2098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Revised: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 10/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidelines for prostate cancer (PCa) screening recommend physicians to have an informational discussion with patients. At the time of biopsy, patients should be informed of their heightened PCa risk, particularly African Americans (AA) who have significantly higher diagnostic and mortality risk. We tested predictors of patients' estimation of their likelihood of having PCa at the time of biopsy. METHODS A convenience sample of AA (n = 207) and white (n = 271) biopsy patients was surveyed at the time of prostate biopsy. Participants gave likelihood estimations of having PCa and data on their socio-demographics, health, clinical status, and general and PCa-specific anxiety. Binary logistic regressions tested for predictors of the patients' estimations and biopsy results. RESULTS Fifty-one percent of AA men answered that they had a '0%' likelihood of having PCa versus 19% of whites, whereas 57% of AA men had abnormal biopsies compared with 42% of whites. In logistic regressions, predictors of patient answers of 0% chance of PCa were AA ethnicity (OR = 4.50; p < 0.001), lower cancer-specific anxiety (OR = 0.93; p < 0.01), less education (OR = 2.38; p < 0.05), and less urinary disturbance (OR = 0.70; p < .05). In a second regression, AA patients trended towards higher positive biopsy rates (OR = 1.43; p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS At biopsy, AA more often estimated their likelihood of PCa as 0%, despite higher risks. Reasons for these low estimates and their potential contribution to poor treatment outcomes of AA patients require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A. Hemmerich
- Section of Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine; University of Chicago; Chicago IL USA
| | - Faraz S. Ahmad
- Section of Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine; University of Chicago; Chicago IL USA
| | - David O. Meltzer
- Section of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine; University of Chicago; Chicago IL USA
- Harris School of Public Policy Studies; University of Chicago; Chicago IL USA
- Department of Economics; University of Chicago; Chicago IL USA
| | - William Dale
- Section of Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine; University of Chicago; Chicago IL USA
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14
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Vodermaier A, Linden W, Siu C. Screening for emotional distress in cancer patients: a systematic review of assessment instruments. J Natl Cancer Inst 2009; 101:1464-88. [PMID: 19826136 PMCID: PMC3298956 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djp336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 354] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Screening for emotional distress is becoming increasingly common in cancer care. This systematic review examines the psychometric properties of the existing tools used to screen patients for emotional distress, with the goal of encouraging screening programs to use standardized tools that have strong psychometrics. Systematic searches of MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases for English-language studies in cancer patients were performed using a uniform set of key words (eg, depression, anxiety, screening, validation, and scale), and the retrieved studies were independently evaluated by two reviewers. Evaluation criteria included the number of validation studies, the number of participants, generalizability, reliability, the quality of the criterion measure, sensitivity, and specificity. The literature search yielded 106 validation studies that described a total of 33 screening measures. Many generic and cancer-specific scales satisfied a fairly high threshold of quality in terms of their psychometric properties and generalizability. Among the ultrashort measures (ie, those containing one to four items), the Combined Depression Questions performed best in patients receiving palliative care. Among the short measures (ie, those containing five to 20 items), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale demonstrated adequate psychometric properties. Among the long measures (ie, those containing 21–50 items), the Beck Depression Inventory and the General Health Questionaire–28 met all evaluation criteria. The PsychoSocial Screen for Cancer, the Questionnaire on Stress in Cancer Patients–Revised, and the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist are long measures that can also be recommended for routine screening. In addition, other measures may be considered for specific indications or disease types. Some measures, particularly newly developed cancer-specific scales, require further validation against structured clinical interviews (the criterion standard for validation measures) before they can be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vodermaier
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4.
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15
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van den Bergh RCN, Korfage IJ, Borsboom GJJM, Steyerberg EW, Essink-Bot ML. Prostate cancer-specific anxiety in Dutch patients on active surveillance: validation of the memorial anxiety scale for prostate cancer. Qual Life Res 2009; 18:1061-6. [PMID: 19669670 PMCID: PMC2744806 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-009-9516-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2008] [Accepted: 07/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Men with prostate cancer (PC) may show specific disease-related anxiety. We evaluated the psychometric properties of the Dutch adaptation of the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC). Methods The MAX-PC was translated using standardized forward–backward procedures. Patients (N = 150) on active surveillance, a strategy of initially withholding active therapy, for recently diagnosed early PC were mailed a questionnaire. Internal consistency was estimated using Cronbach’s alpha. The scale structure was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Construct validity was evaluated by Pearson’s correlations between MAX-PC scores and scores on decisional conflict (DCS), generic anxiety (STAI), depression (CES-D), and general mental health (SF-12 MCS). Results Data from 129 respondents were used (response rate 86%). Cronbach’s alpha for the total score and the three subscales were 0.77, 0.91, 0.64, and 0.85, respectively. CFA largely confirmed the three-factor structure as used in the original publication (model fit: χ2 149, P = 0.051). The patterns of directions and sizes of the correlations (r = 0.36–0.66) between MAX-PC scale scores and the other variables were in accordance with a priori hypotheses, except for the prostate-specific antigen anxiety subscale. The relatively poor performance of this scale in the original version was replicated. Conclusions The structure and validity of the MAX-PC to quantify PC-specific anxiety were largely confirmed in Dutch patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderick C N van den Bergh
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Room NH-227, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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16
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Dale W, Hemmerich J, Bylow K, Mohile S, Mullaney M, Stadler WM. Patient anxiety about prostate cancer independently predicts early initiation of androgen deprivation therapy for biochemical cancer recurrence in older men: a prospective cohort study. J Clin Oncol 2009; 27:1557-63. [PMID: 19255325 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2008.18.5850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is first-line therapy for patients with prostate cancer (PCA) who experience biochemical recurrence (BCR). However, the optimal timing of ADT initiation is uncertain, and earlier ADT initiation can cause toxicities that lower quality of life (QOL). We tested the hypothesis that elevated cancer anxiety leads to earlier ADT initiation for BCR in older men. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study of older patients with BCR of PCA (n = 67). Patients completed questionnaires at presentation and each follow-up visit until initiation of ADT. PCA-specific anxiety was measured with the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC). Other collected data included demographics, clinical information, and general anxiety information. Treating oncologists were surveyed about their recommendations for ADT initiation. The primary outcome was the time to ADT initiation. Univariate, multivariate logistic regression, and time-to-event analyses were conducted to evaluate whether cancer anxiety was a predictor of earlier initiation of ADT. RESULTS Thirty-three percent of patients initiated ADT at the first or second clinic visit. Elevated PCA anxiety (MAX-PC > 16) was the most robust predictor in multivariate analyses of early initiation (odds ratio [OR], 9.19; P = .01). PSA also independently correlated with early initiation (OR, 1.31; P = .01). PSA did not correlate with MAX-PC. CONCLUSION Cancer anxiety independently and robustly predicts earlier ADT initiation in older men with BCR. For older patients with PCA, earlier ADT initiation may not change life expectancy and can negatively impact QOL. PCA-specific anxiety is a potential target for a decision-making intervention in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Dale
- Department of Medicine, Section of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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Sharpley CF, Bitsika V, Christie DHR. Psychological Distress among Prostate Cancer Patients: Fact Or Fiction? Clin Med Oncol 2008; 2:563-72. [PMID: 21892333 PMCID: PMC3161698 DOI: 10.4137/cmo.s955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the detrimental effect upon psychological well-being of receiving a diagnosis of, or treatment for, cancer has been demonstrated across many different types of cancer, three recent reviews of the psychological health of prostate cancer patients have produced contradictory conclusions. In order to elucidate the reasons for these apparent different conclusions, each of these reviews is described, with principal methods and findings summarised. Actual data, methodology used to select/reject research studies for inclusion in reviews, plus the validity of strict methodological culling of some research studies are discussed. Several extra studies and commentaries are also described, and a resolution of the apparent contradictory review conclusions is offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Sharpley
- Centre for Bioactive Discovery in Health and Ageing, University of New England New South Wales, Australia
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Hu JC, Kwan L, Krupski TL, Anger JT, Maliski SL, Connor S, Litwin MS. Determinants of treatment regret in low-income, uninsured men with prostate cancer. Urology 2008; 72:1274-9. [PMID: 18313115 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2007.11.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2006] [Revised: 10/23/2007] [Accepted: 11/12/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The regret of a prostate cancer treatment choice, a significant dimension of health-related quality of life, has not been well-characterized. Little is known about its association with the fear of cancer recurrence or spirituality. METHODS We drew subjects from a men's health study composed of a clinically heterogeneous sample of subjects enrolled from a statewide, publicly funded assistance program that provided free prostate cancer treatment for uninsured, low-income men in California. We included men who completed a telephone interviews and self-administered questionnaires at study enrollment and at 6 months of follow-up. Using validated instruments, we measured regret, health-related quality of life, fear of cancer recurrence, and spirituality through telephone interviews and self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS Of the 195 men, 90 underwent radical prostatectomy (46%), 50 underwent external beam radiotherapy (28%), and 51 underwent hormonal therapy (26%). Of these 195 men, 36 (18%) regretted their treatment choice. Multivariate analyses revealed that nonwhite men were more likely than white men to experience decisional regret (odds ratio [OR] range 7.27 to 12.26). Conversely, men confident of cancer cure (OR 0.19, 95% confident interval 0.04 to 0.86), men with greater spirituality (OR 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.87 to 0.96), and men with acute treatment effects (OR 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.12 to 0.93) were less likely to regret their treatment decisions. CONCLUSIONS In our study, a fear of cancer recurrence, less spirituality, a longer interval since treatment, and nonwhite race were associated with treatment regret in low-income, underserved men with prostate cancer. Attempts to decrease anxiety and enhance spirituality in men treated for prostate cancer might diminish treatment regret. Additional studies in racially diverse cohorts are needed to examine the association of regret with race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim C Hu
- Division of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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