Exploring cancer support needs for older African-American men with prostate cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to explore cancer support and financial issues related to cancer care experienced by African-American men with prostate cancer and to understand whom they relied on for resource issues during diagnosis and treatment.


METHODS
This is a descriptive qualitative study of 23 rural and urban 65 years old and older African-American prostate cancer survivors. Five focus groups were conducted containing African-American prostate cancer survivors who were recruited from community-based centers (e.g., churches, barbershops, diners, and primary care clinics) in central Virginia and Maryland. Focus group discussions were audiotaped, transcribed, and coded. Data were organized and managed using a qualitative analysis software program. Emerging themes uncovered specific problems for older rural African-American men with cancer, and focus group data were examined for potential solutions to these problems.


RESULTS
Two common themes emerged: (1) family and physician support are important, and (2) insurance is a necessity for appropriate health care. A difference between rural and urban African-American prostate cancer survivors emerged as well: difference in spirituality during diagnosis and treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Rural and urban African-American prostate cancer survivors' major support resource was their wives. Health insurance played a critical role as a support source by decreasing anxiety and financial hardships. Understanding rural and urban African-American prostate cancer survivors' support needs and challenges in relation to cancer diagnosis and treatment will allow nurses and other health-care providers to tailor cancer health plans more effectively for this population.
Jones
Randy A
RA
University of Virginia, 202 Jeanette Lancaster Way, PO Box 800782, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0782, USA. raj9c@virginia.edu
Wenzel
Jennifer
J
Hinton
Ivora
I
Cary
Michael
M
Jones
Naomi R
NR
Krumm
Sharon
S
Ford
Jean G
JG
D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017144:Focus Groups; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D012424:Rural Population; D012944:Social Support; D029181:Spirituality; D017741:Survivors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014505:Urban Population; D014768:Virginia