title: Quality of life and satisfaction with information after radical prostatectomy, radical external beam radiotherapy and postoperative radiotherapy: a long-term follow-up study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess patients' symptoms, quality of life and satisfaction with information three to four years after radical prostatectomy, radical external beam radiotherapy and postoperative radiotherapy and to analyse differences between treatment groups and the relationship between disease-specific, health-related and overall quality of life and satisfaction with information.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Radical prostate cancer treatments are associated with changes in quality of life. Differences between patients undergoing different treatments in symptoms and quality of life have been reported, but there are limited long-term data comparing radical prostatectomy with radical external beam radiotherapy and postoperative radiotherapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey design was used.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study sample included 143 men treated with radical prostatectomy and/or radical external beam radiotherapy. Quality of life was measured using the 12-item Short Form Health Survey and the 50-item Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite Instrument. Questions assessing overall Quality of life and satisfaction with information were included. Descriptive statistics and interference statistical methods were applied to analyse the data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Radical external beam radiotherapy was associated with less urinary incontinence and better urinary function. There were no differences between the groups for disease-specific quality of life sum scores. Sexual quality of life was reported very low in all groups. Disease-specific quality of life and health-related quality of life were associated with overall quality of life. Patients having undergone surgery were more satisfied with information, and there was a positive correlation between quality of life and patient satisfaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pretreatment information and patient education lead to better quality of life and satisfaction. This study indicates a need for structured, pretreatment information and follow-up for all men going through radical prostate cancer treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Long-term quality of life effects should be considered when planning follow-up and information for men after radical prostate cancer treatment. Structured and organised information/education may increase preparedness for symptoms and bother after the treatment, improve symptom management strategies and result in improved quality of life.
authors.affiliation: National Continence and Pelvic Floor Center of Norway, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nicolaisen
authors.forename: Stig
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: Hitendra R H
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Tove Aminda
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Hanssen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence
keywords: 12-item Short Form Health Survey version 2.0; Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite; patient information; patient satisfaction; prostate cancer; quality of life; radical treatment