Study aims to improve information and support for older men with prostate cancer

The Centre for Health Services Studies (CHSS) at the University of Kent, England is currently engaged in an exploratory study of the information and support needs for men aged 75+ with prostate cancer.

Conducting the study are Andy Alaszewski, Professor of Health Studies and Director of the CHSS, and Dr Hilary Bungay, a research fellow who has previously studied the development of cancer services and delay in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Funded by The Prostate Cancer Charity, the purpose and aim of the study is to determine whether men aged 75+ with prostate cancer are missing out on information and medical, social and psychological support due to the fear, apprehension and stigma often associated with the disease. It will also explore if there are any other factors preventing them from accessing available services. For example, older people have grown up in an era characterised by doctor-centred practice where the doctor is felt to ‘know best’ and that there is concern that seeking additional information could affect their relationship with the doctor.

In addition, the study will also determine the appropriate information and promotional services The Prostate Cancer Charity could offer now, or in the future, to older men with prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. The number of prostate cancer cases has risen by 25% over the past five years to 27,000 (Cancer Research UK 2004), although this rise has been attributed to an increase in early detection due to the increased availability of PSA testing (Prostate Specific Antigen). Prostate cancer tends to affect older men, and by the time they reach the age of 80 approximately half of all men will have a form of the disease.

For The Prostate Cancer Charity and all those who provide care and support for people with cancer, the challenge is finding a way of providing information that is appropriate for patients who may benefit from knowing something about their illness and its treatment, but who may not wish to know everything about it all the time (Leydon et al 2000).