The experiences of elderly patients with prostate cancer – a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: In the Netherlands, more than 47 percent of the patients with prostate cancer are 70 years or older. There is a lack of knowledge concerning the experiences of elderly men regarding the impact of prostate cancer and the care provided. Purpose of the study: To gain insight into the experiences of elderly patients with prostate cancer aged 70 or older, with their illness and care provided by their care network members. Design and Methods: Generic qualitative explorative design using in-depth semi-structured interviews. The collected data was analysed using generic qualitative steps (Boeije). Results: Three themes emerged: 'the meaning of prostate cancer', 'dealing with the impact of prostate cancer' and "sharing their illness'. Every respondent has an opinion about the diagnosis, while most respondents attributed it to their age. Respondents want to be in control of their health, and try to achieve this by keeping track of prostate specific antigen (PSA). Prostate cancer and its treatments has had different consequences for the everyday lives of respondents, especially the impact of incontinence and sexual problems. Respondents gave various reasons for discussing some facts specifically with their GPs instead of a specialist, or for deciding whether or not to share their illness with relatives. Implications: This is a multi-centered qualitative study where a more specific focus on some of the existing topics and also new topics could be useful to enhance external generalizability. Previous research found that patients want nurses to play a more leading role during the follow-up of to prostate cancer. During this research patients had less contacts with nurses. Therefore, further research is necessary. Conclusion: This research provides insight into the experiences of elderly patients with prostate cancer, the care offered by their care network members, and how the care can be better related to patients' needs.