Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa), in particular, is known to cause significant psychosocial distress during the duration of a patient’s treatment due to its uncertainty and demasculinizing side effects. Prostate cancer support groups (PCSGs) have been proven to be beneficial, yet are underutilized by the majority of PCa patients and physicians. A thorough review of the literature was performed for articles pertaining to prostate cancer support groups. We sought to identify factors contributing to the psychological burden of the disease, factors that influenced patients to join, and barriers to participation in a PCSG. Additionally, the characteristics and format of PCSGs, as well as outcomes (i.e. quality of life), were evaluated.
Highlights
BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men across 112 countries, with 1.4 million new diagnoses in 2020 according to the GLOBOCAN database, leading to an incidence of PCa approaching 38 per 100,000 men [1]
A thorough review of the literature was performed for articles pertaining to prostate cancer support groups
We aim to describe the role of Prostate cancer support groups (PCSGs) in the treatment of PCa and its documented benefits in the hope of promoting more consistent development and utilization of these services
Summary
BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men across 112 countries, with 1.4 million new diagnoses in 2020 according to the GLOBOCAN database, leading to an incidence of PCa approaching 38 per 100,000 men [1]. 30-50% of men with PCa report a psychosocial burden due to their diagnosis regardless of disease stage or progression [3]. Common psychosocial issues include anxiety, depression, as well as fear of imminent (prostate-specific antigen) PSA assessments, potential recurrence of disease, and the possibility of death. PCa is unique in that it affects a patient’s sexual function, further exacerbating the psychosocial burdens [4]. In light of these PCa specific stressors, the need and motivation for utilization of prostate cancer support groups (PCSGs) could be better understood. While literature describes an unmet need for support, PCSGs remain an underutilized tool in aiding men with a PCa diagnosis [5]. We aim to describe the role of PCSGs in the treatment of PCa and its documented benefits in the hope of promoting more consistent development and utilization of these services
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