The lived experience of adjustment to prostate cancer.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the lived experience of adjustment to prostate cancer following diagnosis. A qualitative, interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was used. Data were collected through semistructured interviews. A purposive sampling method recruited 8 participants from a North East of England based, patient-led prostate cancer support group. Participants were diagnosed with prostate cancer and had received a range of treatments. Participants ranged from 59 to 80 years of age (Mage = 69), and time since diagnosis ranged from 13 months to 8 years. Data were analyzed in accordance with an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Four themes were generated: Living With Uncertainty/Prostate-Specific Antigen Test Worry, Renegotiating Masculinity, Prostate Champion, and Humor. Themes were related in their dynamic nature, which involved participants actively negotiating the adjustment process. The findings highlight the complex nature of the adjustment process to prostate cancer and provides in-depth insight into the barriers and facilitators participants experienced.