Almost 15% of long-term prostate cancer survivors regret their treatment decisions, according to new research in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
The findings underscore the need for informative discussions between doctors and patients, the authors said.
Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland. This small organ produces the fluid that, when mixed with sperm from the testes, forms semen. There are several ways to treat prostate cancer, including surgical removal of the prostate (called a radical prostatectomy), radiation treatment, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. Some men develop sexual and urinary problems after these methods. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect.
Another option is active surveillance - monitoring the patient’s condition and providing treatment if it worsens or if symptoms become bothersome. This approach is sometimes called “watchful waiting.” While it may seem counterintuitive to not treat prostate cancer immediately after diagnosis, for some men, the cancer grows so slowly that the side effects of treatment could be more harmful than treating it on an as-needed basis.
The study included 946 men under the age of 75 who had been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer between October 1994 and October 1995. (Localized cancer means that cancerous cells had not spread beyond the prostate gland.) Each man completed a follow-up survey at least 15 years after his treatment.
The researchers found that almost 15% of the men had treatment regrets. This figure represented about 17% of the men who had had radiation, 15% of those who had undergone surgery, and 8% who had had conservative treatment like active surveillance.
Among the men who regretted their treatment decisions, 39% reported sexual problems and 8% had trouble with their bowels.
Men who were older at the time of their diagnosis and those who felt they’d been informed about their treatment options were less inclined to have regret.
The study authors stressed the need for open communication between doctors and prostate cancer patients, with thorough discussions on all treatment options, their advantages, and their disadvantages.
“Regret was a relatively infrequently reported outcome among long-term survivors of localized prostate cancer; however, our results suggest that better informing men about treatment options, in particular, conservative treatment, might help mitigate long-term regret,” the authors wrote.
“These findings are timely for men with low-risk cancers who are being encouraged to consider active surveillance,” they added.
Resources
Journal of Clinical Oncology
Hoffman, Richard M., et al.
“Treatment Decision Regret Among Long-Term Survivors of Localized Prostate Cancer: Results From the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study”
(Abstract. July 2017)
http://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2016.70.6317
MedPage Today
Bankhead, Charles
“Men Have Regret Years after Prostate Cancer Treatment”
(July 11, 2017)
https://www.medpagetoday.com/hematologyoncology/prostatecancer/66561
Medscape
Harrison, Pam
“Treatment Regret Not Common in Prostate Cancer Survivors”
(August 3, 2017)
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/883735
Oncology Nurse Advisor
Nam, James, PharmD
“Long Term Survivors of Prostate Cancer Express Treatment Decision Regret for Up to 15 Years”
(July 10, 2017)
http://www.oncologynurseadvisor.com/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-survivors-express-concerns-about-sexual-function/article/673774/
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
Can Sex Throw off Your Vaginal pH Balance?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Your vagina is a pretty powerful organ. It is a pathway for menstrual blood and babies. It also is a main player in sexual intercourse. You might hear about your vagina’s pH and worry that yours is at risk. Here’s what to know about vaginal pH, including the impacts sex could have.
