Experiences Of Survivors Research Articles

'If someone had stopped to talk to me': A human rights analysis of Spain's mental health system.

This study explores the gap between Spain's mental health legal framework and the lived experiences of users and survivors of psychiatry, including persons with psychosocial disabilities. Employing a socio-legal methodology, it critically contrasts domestic legislation with qualitative data from interviews, uncovering systemic issues that perpetuate coercive practices such as inadequate judicial oversight and the routine use of coercion and isolation. The findings highlight a significant failure to protect patient autonomy and dignity. This research advocates for comprehensive legal and structural reforms to align Spain's mental health care system with international human rights standards. It underscores the need for a person-centered, rights-based approach that prioritises autonomy, informed consent, and dignity, ultimately promoting a mental health care environment that fully upholds human rights.

Embracing Time: The (Dis)Comfort of Life After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants

Allogeneic Stem Cells Transplantation (ASCT) and, consequently, the chronicity associated with this life event has a growing prevalence and a significant impact on the life and daily life of each person who experiences it. The growing number of ASCT survivors highlights the need to reflect on the unique challenges they face throughout their recovery. To understand the meaning of the encounter with time in the lived experience of comfort for survivors of ASCT. Qualitative approach using van Manen's phenomenology of practice. We uncovered the phenomenon through phenomenological interviews, which integrated narratives and illustrative episodes that reflected the lived experiences of 20 survivors. Descriptions of lived experiences were collected from participants between July 2020 and May 2021. The following themes emerged from the ASCT survivor's lived experience of comfort related to time: giving time to live, time for what is important, time for the future, and living the time of day. This study reveals the importance of time for the survivor, the anguish of the time of discomfort, and creativity in the search to live the time of comfort provided by the ASCT.

Traumatic Brain Injury as an Invisible Disability: Institutional Barriers in Medical, Social and Financial Services in Finland

People who sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often experience unmet rehabilitation needs. The aim of our research was to explore how the invisible aspects of traumatic brain injury affect the experiences of survivors of TBI in accessing the necessary medical, social, and financial assistance. Using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological inquiry, we purposefully sampled 11 participants who had experienced TBI when aged 13–27 for interviews. The time since their injuries ranged from 7 to 37 years. Three key themes emerged: (1) lack of knowledge and guidance in medical services, (2) lack of social service assistance, and (3) battles with insurance companies. Our findings show that, due to the hidden nature of TBI-related disabilities and a general lack of societal knowledge about TBI outcomes, survivors face significant difficulties in accessing essential medical, social, and financial services. This study underscores the critical need to address the challenges faced by youth survivors of TBI, as their injuries occur during a pivotal developmental phase when they are developing psychosocial skills, pursuing education, and transitioning into the workforce. Delays or lack of proper medical, social, and financial support hinder rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of these youth into society.

Understanding the unmet needs in colorectal cancer: Insights from patient and survivor experiences.

59 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide among men and women combined. Despite improved survival rates, there remains a gap in understanding the specific unmet needs of CRC patients and survivors. These needs include emotional support, information on treatment options, coping strategies, quality of life (QoL), and overall healthcare experience. The stress of a diagnosis is often compounded by the emotional and physical demands of treatment, which extend into survivorship when the disease is not active. Methods: The Colorectal Cancer Alliance launched a survey for colorectal cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. This IRB-approved cross-sectional study, comprising more than 153 questions, aimed to inform on patient profiles, diagnosis experience, resources, QoL, access to care, and treatment experience. Participation in the survey was solicited from the Alliance network of social media, email, and web-based communities, underscoring the collective effort to understand and address the needs of CRC patients and survivors. Results: The survey included 283 participants, primarily aged 46-55. Key findings showed that 74% of participants had difficulty finding someone who understood their experience, and 41% reported reduced support from others after treatment ended. Additionally, 54% struggled with fatigue, and 51% coped with ongoing stress. CRC significantly impacted careers (64%), dating lives (51%), desire to have children (43%), relationships with spouses or partners (58%), sex lives (80%), and participation in social activities (65%). Although many felt informed before treatment, 46% reported unmet needs for information on complementary or alternative therapies. Conclusions: These results highlight the profound psychosocial and physical challenges faced by CRC patients and survivors, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to develop tailored treatment and survivorship plans and comprehensive support services. Insights from this survey will guide the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (Alliance) in creating targeted actions, care programs, and support initiatives to address these needs. The Alliance aims to enhance patient care and improve CRC patients' and survivors' QoL, potentially reshaping the future of CRC management and survivorship care.

How do people with a history of sexual abuse experience talking therapies for sexual trauma? A systematic review of qualitative findings.

This systematic review investigated the qualitative experiences of sexual abuse survivors in talking therapy treatments with respect to the helpful and hindering aspects of therapy. Searches were conducted on five databases; PubMed, Web of Science, PyscInfo, PsycArticles and PsycExtra and through searching reference lists. Papers were included where they provided qualitative primary data of client experiences of therapy, did not involve specialist clinical populations and were written in English. Papers were included irrespective of whether study participants had experienced sexual abuse in childhood, adulthood or both. Studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist. Meta-study was used to analyse the results. Four themes were generated: (1) helpful therapy relies on choice, autonomy, and the freedom to choose when to speak and what to speak on, (2) engagement relies on considerations of the complexity of recovery from sexual abuse, (3) feeling cared for and connected with the therapist is important and (4) a sensitive and thoughtful end of therapy can bring positive holistic emotional and lifestyle changes. This study provides clinical insights into the helpful aspects of therapy, facilitating a safe therapeutic engagement, and managing an effective and sensitive transition into recovery. These themes are considered in relation to understanding supportive factors in therapy.

From Survival to Recovery: Understanding the Life Impact of an Acute Aortic Dissection Through Activity, Sleep, and Quality of Life

Background/Objectives: An acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a cardiovascular emergency with high mortality rates if left untreated. Survival has increased due to improvements in diagnosis and therapy. However, during their recovery, survivors frequently encounter major social, psychological, and physical challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the recovery experience of AAD survivors in The Netherlands. Insights on sleep quality, physical activity, and quality of life were collected from a unique nationwide cohort of AAD survivors recruited through the national patient support network ‘Stichting Aorta Dissectie Nederland’. Methods: This study was conducted among AAD survivors who were recruited through a national association for aortic dissection known as ‘Stichting Aorta Dissectie Nederland (SADN)’. The participants (n = 61) completed questionnaires assessing demographic data, physical activity, sleep quality, and health-related QoL. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 60.1 years, and 47.5% of the participants were female. The prevalence of sleep disruptions was high, as 55.7% of the people were categorized as bad sleepers (PSQI > 5). Poor sleep was associated with low physical activity and a higher BMI. The physical activity levels varied, with 47.5% reporting moderate activity levels and 44.3% reporting high activity levels. The QoL scores varied greatly among the participants, with significant impairment across all fields and reduced enthusiasm for daily activities. Poor sleepers reported significantly lower QoL (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study highlights significant gaps in post-AAD care, particularly addressing QoL, sleep, and physical activity. By acknowledging the multifaceted nature of recovery, healthcare providers can develop tailored interventions that empower survivors to achieve better quality of life.

Healthcare workers’ perspectives on trauma and mental health access for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar

BackgroundIn August 2017, the Rohingya population of northern Rakhine State in Myanmar fled to Bangladesh following “clearance operations” by the Myanmar security forces that were characterized by widespread and systematic violence, constituting severe human rights violations. The “clearance operations” were preceded by years of consistent denial of the human rights of the Rohingya people in Myanmar. This study examines the impact of these human rights violations on the trauma experiences of Rohingya survivors, their resulting mental health, and the availability and access to post-migration mental health services.MethodsQualitative one-on-one interviews were conducted with 26 health care professionals who cared for Rohingya refugees after their arrival in Bangladesh.ResultsTrauma experienced by the Rohingya spanned the period before, during, and following migration and was ongoing at the time of data collection. The impact of Rohingya survivors’ concurrent grief and trauma in relation to the violence they experienced in Myanmar as well as during and after their journey to Bangladesh that, at times, exacerbated survivors’ trauma presentation. There were limited mental health services available in Bangladesh and additional structural and procedural barriers to care that limited responsiveness to Rohingya survivors’ mental health needs.ConclusionThe Rohingya experienced traumatic human rights violations in Myanmar that led to their forced migration to Bangladesh. The Rohingya continued to experience trauma during their forced migration to Bangladesh and were exposed to additional stressors in the post-migration settings in refugee camps, including lack of access to adequate mental health services. These experiences have resulted in a spectrum of stress-and trauma-related symptoms. These findings show the mental health impact of protracted human rights violations on the Rohingya, revealing how trauma is not a singular event but a continuous experience. Detailing the limited mental health infrastructure and structural barriers facing Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, the findings underscore the urgent need for trauma-informed interventions that address the complex psychological consequences of systemic violence and displacement. The findings emphasize the critical importance of holistic mental health support in refugee settings, providing evidence-based recommendations for the public health and humanitarian sector to consider when designing programs to address the mental health and psychosocial support needs of sexual violence survivors living in conditions of displacement.

Exploring the importance of researchers’ self-reflection and personal engagement in interviews with trauma survivors

ABSTRACT Studying the experiences of trauma survivors evokes a complex blend of profound emotions in the interviewees and the researchers involved. In a session attended by a group of 3 experienced trauma researchers and a facilitator (all of whom are psychotherapists and psychologists by profession), we reflect on their lived experiences as researchers interviewing individuals from traumatised backgrounds. The shared autobiographic reflections during the session lead to the formation of insights crucial to exploring how interviewer reflexivity in trauma survivor studies can elevate the quality of trauma research. The result is concrete and indispensable knowledge that holds significance for researchers who are interested in using qualitative methods for studying communities affected by trauma.

Experiences of immigrant survivors of violence with law enforcement

ABSTRACT Ongoing police brutality in the United States has forced Americans to grapple with the role of law enforcement. Negative interactions with police, as representatives of government, can leave individuals with lower feelings of political efficacy and, subsequently, lower trust in government and institutions, especially among vulnerable groups. Lower trust in government can have severe political and democratic consequences. Understanding interactions with law enforcement is thus crucial for a functioning, effective democracy. Through a civically engaged research partnership with Advocates for Immigrant Survivors, we address this issue by analyzing experiences with law enforcement among immigrant survivors of violence. We interview a diverse group of survivors about their experiences reporting crimes to police in the Houston area. We offer a descriptive analysis of our results and find that experiences with police vary widely based on factors such as immigration status, English proficiency, and gender. Through this partnership, we hope to encourage more civically engaged research to understand the experiences of vulnerable groups.

Skin cancer treatment environment and survivorship resources among sexual and gender minority patients: results of the OUT National Cancer Survey.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) cancer survivors face unmet care needs in accessing cancer health information and social support despite high satisfaction with treatment. SGM patients often delay care due to concerns of discrimination in healthcare settings, though the care experiences of SGM skin cancer survivors are less known. SGM individuals, particularly sexual minority men, report higher skin cancer prevalence and related risk behaviors than heterosexual men. This study aims to describe SGM skin cancer survivors' perceptions of the care environment and availability of SGM-specific survivorship resources. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the OUT: National Cancer Survey conducted from September 2020 to March 2021. Among 2,528 survey respondents, 96 self-reported a history of skin cancer, with 33% having keratinocyte carcinomas (KC) only and 67% having melanoma. While 69% reported treatment in welcoming environments, 91% noted the absence of welcoming cues. Only 23% used social support specific to cancer survivorship, despite 62% valuing access to LGBTQI+-inclusive survivorship support. KC survivors reported less access to SGM-specific cancer information compared to melanoma survivors. These findings highlight gaps in dermatologic care for SGM skin cancer survivors. Dermatologists can address these needs by developing targeted health education resources, integrating identity-affirming information into care plans, and establishing inclusive environments through visible LGBTQI + cues and training staff in identity-affirming care. While limited by a small sample size, underrepresentation of gender and racial-ethnic minorities, and reliance on unvalidated survey tools, this study highlights the significant lack of data on SGM skin cancer survivors' experiences. We provide valuable insights into the unmet care needs of SGM skin cancer survivors. Future research should build on this foundational evidence to further examine differences in care experiences across skin cancer types and treatment settings, aiming to optimize support for SGM patients.

"Everything cannot be handled virtually": Understanding intention and use of digital health technologies among rural adults and rural cancer survivors.

This qualitative study assessed internet access and use, barriers and facilitators to participating in digital health interventions or programs, and the engagement experience in virtual versus in-person health interventions among rural adults and rural cancer survivors. Rural adults (n=10) and rural cancer survivors (n=10) were recruited from previous studies to participate in an in-depth interview. The interview guide contained eight open-ended questions related to participation in technology-based programs. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and transcripts were analyzed for emergent themes using a thematic content analysis approach. Rural adults were younger (M age=37.9±11.8 years), more likely to be non-Hispanic Black (90.0%), and reported higher educational attainment (50.0% earned a master's or doctoral degree) compared with rural cancer survivors (M age = 63.0±9.1 years, 70.0% non-Hispanic White, and 20.0% earned a master's or doctoral degree). Participants discussed performance and effort expectancies related to using digital health technologies or participating in virtual programs and cited positive and negative aspects of in-person and virtual platforms. Participants emphasized the need for social connections and missed opportunities in current virtual offerings along with factors that influence their use of technologies (e.g., prior experience, tech anxiety). Findings from this qualitative study provide an in-depth understanding of the intricate experiences of rural adults and rural cancer survivors when engaging with digital health technologies. Integrating the experiences of rural adults and rural cancer survivors may aid in developing clinical and community-based interventions and policies that support increasing access to digital health services and programs for rural communities.

The Lived Experience of Adult Cancer Survivors After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Qualitative Study From Saudi Arabia.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a high-intensity treatment with the potential to extend the life expectancy of some patients with cancer. The aim of this study is to explore the lived experience of cancer survivors who underwent HSCT from Saudi Arabia. This study adopted a qualitative descriptive research design using semi-structured in-depth face-to-face interviews. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit eleven patients with cancer who underwent HSCT at an adult oncology center in Saudi Arabia. The interview guide was developed by the authors based on the multi-dimensional health-related QOL model. Participants were asked about their daily activities, problems with coping, quality of life, and personal stress/worries about the future. Data collection was ceased when thematic saturation was reached. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted by two research team members. Seven male and four female participants were interviewed (range of age 18 to 51 years). Interviews lasted between 60 and 75minutes. Five major themes emerged in this study. The first was Physical Well-Being based on four sub-themes: independence, self-efficacy, health outlook (health perception), and pain. The second theme was Psychosocial Impact based on the subthemes: stigmatization, depression, and social strains. The third and fourth themes were Social Support and Coping with the Disease, with the subthemes: avoidant coping, meditation and faith. The fifth theme included psychosocial/physical stability and optimism. Exploring the lived experiences of cancer survivors can inform supportive health care management. Patients who underwent HSCT reported a series of challenges at the physical, psychosocial, and social levels. Further quantitative research studies are recommended to confirm the impact of HSCT on the QOL of cancer survivors in the Saudi Arabian context.

Getting back on track after treatment of cancer: A qualitative interview study of cancer survivors' experiences.

An increasing number of people resumes life after cancer treatment. Although the (long-term) side-effects of cancer and its treatment can be significant, less is known about the impact on cancer survivors' participation in daily life. The aim of this study was to explore the common experiences of cancer survivors in resuming life after treatment. A semi-structured interview study was conducted among 22 cancer survivors having a favorable prognosis after treatment. Purposive sampling was used to select a variable sample in terms of diagnoses (e.g. breast cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma), age (18-77 years), and time after diagnosis (0-7 years). Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed in a thorough thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified. First, cancer survivors reported an emotional fallout episode to often follow treatment, which was characterized by a loss of direction and control due to discontinuation of medical care, decreased support from healthcare professionals and their social network, and an emotional set back. Second, survivors experienced challenges with getting back on track such as the impact of impaired physical and cognitive functions, and challenges and uncertainty related to work and finances. Third, in coping with changes and regaining trust they tried to find a balance between dealing with patient stigma and fear of recurrence on the one hand, and maintaining a positive mindset on the other hand. Fourth, the disease often led to re-evaluating values in life, health and work, which included realizing and accepting change and having a more conscious outlook on life. In resuming life after treatment, cancer survivors experience several challenges and changes in values in different life domains that extend beyond the specific diagnosis. To improve supportive care, healthcare professionals should focus on the (changed) individual needs and values of survivors in the domains considered relevant to them.

The Emotional Aftermath of Surviving an Attempted Intimate Partner Homicide.

While the issue of intimate partner homicide (IPH) has gained increasing focus, research that pinpoints the experiences of women who survived an attempted IPH is limited. Specifically, studies that aim to understand the aftermath of surviving such incidents are scarce. Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore the emotional experience of IPH survivors following the attack. An interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the narratives of 11 women who had survived an attempted homicide by their partner. Four major themes emerged: Living between dichotomies: A fragmented identity; Embodied fear: A fear that will not go away; The loss of future: A life divided; and The loneliness of surviving the "unsurvivable." Utilizing the ambiguous loss theory to examine the emotional ramifications of IPH indicates that survivors navigate persistent confusion and struggle to comprehend the loss. This involves challenges in moving forward and achieving resolution, conflicting emotions related to the loss, minimal recognition of the grief, and limited support from the social environment.

Deafening Echoes: Lived Experiences of Adult Survivors of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children

Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) is a global phenomenon of technology-facilitated sexual violence that has become prevalent in the Philippines. This exploratory qualitative study aimed to establish an in-depth understanding of the enduring effect of OSAEC victimization and utilize the phenomenological perspectives to identify key components of a trauma intervention for the population. Specifically, in-depth interviews were held with 5 adult survivors who were initially screened for trauma and 5 psychologists who are providing therapy to survivors of sexual violence. The themes showed that adult survivors of OSAEC face instability across various aspects of their life, including financial constraints, complex family relationships, huge family responsibilities, and health issues. Furthermore, they manifest persistent trauma symptoms such as hounding fears, intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative affect and cognitions. Feelings of shame and stigma related to their past experiences likewise contribute to social isolation and emotional distress. Despite these challenges, the survivors demonstrate resilience through supportive relationships and faith-based coping. Facilitating the recovery of the survivors necessitate an integrative and survivor-focused therapeutic intervention that addresses the digital aspects of the abuse; builds skills in coping and emotional regulation; and fosters resilience. At the family and community level, empowerment is needed through advocacy and education to enable them to provide support and healthy environment for survivors to thrive. The recovery programs must likewise be anchored on responsive institutional systems around the survivors.

USING CANCER SURVIVORSHIP EXPERIENCES TO INFORM CANCER ADVOCACY IN NIGERIA

Abstract Background Despite having a high cancer burden that is still rising, Nigeria, like many rapidly aging countries in sub-Saharan Africa, due to a very high burden of infectious diseases, is not paying adequate attention to non-communicable diseases, especially cancer. This study explored the experiences of cancer survivors for informing tailored cancer advocacy programs in Nigeria. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was used on a sample of 19 women with age ranging from 29 – 55 years, with a history of breast cancer. We had four focus group discussions during data collection and used reflexive thematic analysis for data analysis. Results The following themes were identified from the analysis: 1) strengthening care quality, 2) addressing delayed presentation, 3) expanding access to informal support, and 4) alleviating the cost burden of cancer care. Discussion A better understanding of cancer survivorship experiences among Nigerian women can help strengthen cancer advocacy in Nigeria. In turn, strong cancer advocacy will help to prioritize cancer control, and mitigate a looming cancer crisis in Nigeria.

Effects of victim offender dialogue on mental health and trauma appraisals among victims of violence

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD) on victims and survivors of violent crime. We apply a mixed methods approach to compare the experiences of survivors participating in VOD with a group of survivors who chose not to participate at three points in time. The analysis uses validated psychometric measures as well as in-depth qualitative interviews to understand the effects of VOD on victim participants’ mental health and trauma appraisals and on their satisfaction with the justice process. In this study, victim participants of VOD experienced less fear and less anger after the dialogue, as well as fewer symptoms of PTSD and depression. Further, the changes experienced by the treatment group were more significant than those in the comparison group over a similar period of time. We discuss implications for access to restorative encounters within or alongside the criminal legal process.

Volunteering in Disaster Management for Development in Africa: Reflections from Bukoba District, Tanzania

Volunteering is an old phenomenon; but it never gets obsolete. It plays a pivotal role in disaster management and development, particularly in resource-constrained settings. This article explores the critical contributions of community volunteers during the 2016 earthquake in Bukoba, Tanzania; highlighting their agency in handling the crisis. Drawing on the social construction of reality theory, this article examines how volunteers externalize their intentions, objectify their roles, and internalize their experiences to create a resilient community response that fills institutional gaps. The paper draws from a qualitative study that applied key informant interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation, and documentary review to unearth the lived experiences of earthquake survivors’ interaction with community volunteers. Findings reveal that volunteers provided immediate rescue and medical assistance; including quick excavation and transfer of casualties to health facilities, navigated bureaucratic challenges, and fostered community resilience and economic recovery. The article underscores the need for integrating volunteer efforts into formal disaster management frameworks to enhance effectiveness and sustainability, especially in disaster-prone settings and poor neighbourhoods. The article concludes that by recognizing the diverse contributions of volunteers, both formal institutions and community initiatives can better address disaster risks and promote development outcomes.

Optimization of a digital health intervention to enhance well-being among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: Design and methods of the EMPOWER full factorial trial.

Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs) experience clinically significant distress and have limited access to supportive care services. Interventions to enhance psychological well-being have improved positive affect and reduced depression in clinical and healthy populations and have not been routinely tested in AYA survivors. We are optimizing a web-based positive skills intervention for AYA cancer survivors called Enhancing Management of Psychological Outcomes With Emotion Regulation (EMPOWER) by: (1) determining which intervention components have the strongest effects on well-being and (2) identifying demographic and individual difference variables that mediate and moderate EMPOWER's efficacy. EMPOWER is a five-session online intervention that teaches behavioral and cognitive skills for increasing psychological well-being. Guided by the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST), we assign two levels (yes, no) to each of five intervention components (positive events, capitalizing, & gratitude; mindfulness; positive reappraisal; personal strengths & goal-setting; acts of kindness), allowing us to evaluate the effects of individual and combined intervention components on positive affect in a full factorial design. Post-treatment AYA cancer survivors (N = 352) are recruited from participating NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers and randomized to one of 32 experimental conditions. Our primary outcome is positive affect; potential mediating and moderating variables include coping self-efficacy and emotional support, respectively. Upon trial completion, we will have an optimized, digital health intervention to enhance psychological well-being among AYA cancer survivors. EMPOWER will be scalable and primed for a large, multi-site trial among AYAs who would otherwise not have access to supportive care interventions to manage distress and enhance well-being.

Symptom Burden and Survivorship Care for Patients With Prostate Cancer on Androgen Deprivation Therapy.

Prostate cancer survivors represent a growing population of patients with a diagnosis of prostate cancer, whether they were cured using local therapies or continue to receive systemic treatment of advanced disease. Many patients receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) during treatment, which is associated with many long-lasting physical and psychological effects. Identifying and addressing the needs of survivors is imperative for improving their health and well-being. This narrative review highlights the most common issues associated with ADT affecting survivorship in prostate cancer, including cardiovascular and metabolic effects, musculoskeletal health, sexual morbidity, and local therapy effects, as well as the mental and psychological toll. A special emphasis is placed on the existing literature examining specific interventions to alleviate these symptoms, along with describing existing gaps in knowledge, with the goal of promoting dedicated studies aimed at enhancing the survivorship experience of patients with prostate cancer.