Nicole Collaço1,2, Richard Wagland3, Obrey Alexis4, Anna Gavin5, Adam Glaser6, Eila K Watson4. 1. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, S017 1BJ, UK. n.b.collaco@soton.ac.uk. 2. Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Jack Straws Lane, Oxford, OX3 0FL, UK. n.b.collaco@soton.ac.uk. 3. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, S017 1BJ, UK. 4. Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Jack Straws Lane, Oxford, OX3 0FL, UK. 5. Northern Ireland Cancer Registry Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, BT12 6BA, UK. 6. Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Worsley Building, Leeds, LS2 9NL, UK.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Prostate Cancer (PCa) is often considered to be an illness affecting older men, however the prevalence in younger men (<=65 years) is rising. Diagnosis and treatment for PCa can have a significant impact on the lives of both the man with PCa and his partner. This study explored the experiences and needs of younger men and their partners affected by PCa. The findings will be used to inform service provision and develop interventions appropriate to need. METHODS: Participants were recruited from respondents to a national PROMS study (Life After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis (LAPCD), who indicated on completed questionnaires their willingness to be interviewed. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with twenty-eight couples, separately (56 participants). Data were analysed using the Framework Method. RESULTS: Following the diagnosis of PCa, couples' experienced changes in their intimate relationships, parental/familial roles, work and finances, and social connections and activities. Couples adopted a range of strategies and behaviours to help their adjustment to PCa, such as communicating with each other, distancing, distraction, and adopting a positive mindset towards PCa. This, in turn, influenced how their identity as a couple evolved. CONCLUSIONS: Following a diagnosis of PCa, the identity of couples are continually evolving. It is important that these couples are provided with the appropriate information, support and resources to help them transition along the cancer pathway. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Key areas of support identified for younger couples include: 1) couple focused support programme to foster relationship strategies/behaviours that facilitate couple adjustment; 2) age-specific support, e.g. 'buddying systems' connecting younger couples affected by PCa and providing them with tailored information (written/online/app).
PURPOSE:Prostate Cancer (PCa) is often considered to be an illness affecting older men, however the prevalence in younger men (<=65 years) is rising. Diagnosis and treatment for PCa can have a significant impact on the lives of both the man with PCa and his partner. This study explored the experiences and needs of younger men and their partners affected by PCa. The findings will be used to inform service provision and develop interventions appropriate to need. METHODS:Participants were recruited from respondents to a national PROMS study (Life After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis (LAPCD), who indicated on completed questionnaires their willingness to be interviewed. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with twenty-eight couples, separately (56 participants). Data were analysed using the Framework Method. RESULTS: Following the diagnosis of PCa, couples' experienced changes in their intimate relationships, parental/familial roles, work and finances, and social connections and activities. Couples adopted a range of strategies and behaviours to help their adjustment to PCa, such as communicating with each other, distancing, distraction, and adopting a positive mindset towards PCa. This, in turn, influenced how their identity as a couple evolved. CONCLUSIONS: Following a diagnosis of PCa, the identity of couples are continually evolving. It is important that these couples are provided with the appropriate information, support and resources to help them transition along the cancer pathway. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Key areas of support identified for younger couples include: 1) couple focused support programme to foster relationship strategies/behaviours that facilitate couple adjustment; 2) age-specific support, e.g. 'buddying systems' connecting younger couples affected by PCa and providing them with tailored information (written/online/app).
Authors: Amanat M Yosha; Jennifer K Carroll; Samantha Hendren; Charcy M Salamone; Mechelle Sanders; Kevin Fiscella; Ronald M Epstein Journal: Patient Educ Couns Date: 2011-01-20
Authors: Amy Downing; Penny Wright; Richard Wagland; Eila Watson; Therese Kearney; Rebecca Mottram; Majorie Allen; Victoria Cairnduff; Oonagh McSorley; Hugh Butcher; Luke Hounsome; Conan Donnelly; Peter Selby; Paul Kind; William Cross; James W H Catto; Dyfed Huws; David H Brewster; Emma McNair; Lauren Matheson; Carol Rivas; Johana Nayoan; Mike Horton; Jessica Corner; Julia Verne; Anna Gavin; Adam W Glaser Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2016-12-07 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Damien Bennett; Therese Kearney; David W Donnelly; Amy Downing; Penny Wright; Sarah Wilding; Richard Wagland; Eila Watson; Adam Glaser; Anna Gavin Journal: J Cancer Surviv Date: 2018-07-30 Impact factor: 4.442