Hit by waves-living with local advanced or localized prostate cancer treated with endocrine therapy or under active surveillance.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies of living with prostate cancer have shown that the illness and the treatment cause physical as well as psychosocial problems.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to illuminate men's experiences living with localized or local advanced prostate cancer when curative treatment such as surgery or radiation therapy is not an option at the time of diagnosis.


METHODS
The study was conducted via qualitative interviews, using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. Ten men treated with endocrine therapy or under active surveillance were interviewed.


RESULTS
Being diagnosed with prostate cancer was described as a shock, with different aspects of the illness revealed gradually. The limited amount of time available for meeting with health care providers contributed to patients' feelings of being left alone with difficulty getting information and help. Sexual and urinary problems were perceived as a threat to their manhood. The spouses provided the closest everyday support.


CONCLUSIONS
The life situation of these patients can be understood as living in a "state of readiness," expecting something to happen regarding their illness, and not always knowing where to get help.


CONCLUSIONS
The results confirm existing knowledge of patient's experiences in living with prostate cancer regarding the initial shock perceived by the patients, the bodily alterations, and the important role of their spouses. Nurses, as well as general practitioners, must play a more active role in follow-up to ensure that the men and their spouses receive better help and support.
Ervik
Bente
B
Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, Norway. bente.ervik@uit.no
Nordøy
Tone
T
Asplund
Kenneth
K
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004703:Endocrine System; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013637:Tape Recording
D004967:Estrogens