ABSTRACT
A convenience sample of 965 Canadian men with prostate cancer were surveyed about their experience with, and opinions about, prostate cancer illness and treatment. Questionnaires were distributed by urologists, physicians at selected cancer treatment centers, and prostate cancer self-help groups. In this paper, we report on issues related to men's satisfaction with medical information. Most respondents were satisfied with information received, although there was a substantive subsample of dissatisfied men, and indications that many men did not understand information they received. Higher satisfactions with medical information was associated with age over 70 years, nonattendance at support or educational groups, higher educational level, and high satisfaction with urologists' communication style. Men experiencing significant adverse quality of life effects from cancer treatment were more dissatisfied with information. Satisfaction with medical information was also positively associated with satisfaction with information across the domain of supportive care, suggesting the value of a broad-based approach to information that includes contributions from self-help and community groups, as well as supportive care professionals.
ABSTRACT
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 965 Canadian men with prostate cancer. Questionnaires were distributed to patients by individual urologists, physicians at cancer treatment centres, and prostate cancer self help groups. Most respondents were satisfied by the information received and the communication style of health professionals, although there was a substantive subsample of dissatisfied men. There were indications that many men did not understand information they received. Utilization of specific diagnostic tests varied by region, size of community, and patient income. Many respondents expressed reluctance to discuss difficulties associated with having cancer, but there was also considerable benefit reported from attending prostate self help groups. Although most men focus on the positive aspects of illness impact, many had significant difficulties associated with illness and/or treatment. Lack of help with sexual dysfunction was a commonly reported problem.
