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The role of body image in treatment decision-making and post-treatment regret following prostatectomy

08 October 2020
Volume 29 · Issue 18

Abstract

Three main treatments are offered to men with localised prostate cancer: active monitoring, radiotherapy and prostatectomy. The aim of this research was to explore the role of body image in treatment decision-making and post-treatment regret following prostatectomy for localised prostate cancer. Data were collected via nine semi-structured interviews. Interviews underwent thematic analysis and four themes emerged: need to prolong life, loss of function and self, post-surgery effects on body image and confidence, and coping strategies. Participants revealed that loss of erectile function following surgery resulted in reduced self-confidence, and changes in their perception of their body.

More than 47 500 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year (Prostate Cancer UK, 2019). Prostate cancer is formed by uncontrolled division of cells within the prostate gland that produces swelling, which is known as adenocarcinoma (Persad et al. 2010). Risk factors for prostate cancer include age, ethnicity, hereditary/genes and lifestyle (Persad et al, 2010).

Treatment for prostate cancer may vary depending on personal preferences and clinical factors. Clinical factors include size of tumour, grading of the tumour on both the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and biopsies, and risk of spread (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2019). Men with prostate cancer that is still contained within the prostate capsule are offered three treatment options: radical prostatectomy, active surveillance, and radiotherapy. The research presented here focuses on prostatectomy as sole treatment option. The aim was to explore whether known side-effects of prostatectomy impact on body image, and their role in men's treatment decision and post-treatment regret.

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