Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is an established treatment for prostate cancer (PCa), but its side-effects can affect body appearance and functioning. However, research into the impact of ADT on body image is limited. Exercise can help patients to counterbalance some side-effects, potentially improving body image too. However, adherence to exercise recommendations is low. Therefore, we explored body image after ADT and attitudes towards exercise. Twenty two semi-structured interviews were conducted with PCa patients receiving ADT (Mage = 67.9 years old, SD = 9.99). Participants expressed appearance dissatisfaction focusing on body feminization. Participants exercised to counterbalance ADT side-effects and improve mood. Exercise also helped them to re-establish a sense of control over their body and experience a sense of achievement. However, some men described being worried that their appearance and physical performance would be judged by others, so they often exercised alone or gave up exercise. Time management and fatigue were also identified as exercise barriers. These findings highlight the need to further investigate body image concerns and exercise barriers in PCa patients undergoing ADT. These results could also inform support groups and health care professionals on the topic. However, further research should explore the most effective and acceptable ways to provide support to PCa patients on body image issues.
Highlights
Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is an established treatment for prostate cancer (PCa), but its side-effects can affect body appearance and functioning
Some men described being worried that their appearance and physical performance would be judged by others, so they often exercised alone or gave up exercise
ADT is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care in the UK (NICE guidelines) [3]
Summary
Twenty two semi-structured interviews were conducted with PCa patients receiving ADT (Mage = 67.9 yo, SD = 9.99). The study received ethical approval from the Faculty Ethics Committee. The research was conducted qualitatively, since this method is ideal for capturing an insight into the impact of cancer at the individual level [12]. Qualitative methodology has been largely implemented in similar research [30, 31]
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