Impact of Prostate Cancer Treatment-Related Symptoms on Low-Income Latino Couples

摘要

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer among men in the United States, and Latinos are the most rapidly growing minority in the United States. Even when prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated early, there are a number of side effects that can have an impact on men's quality of life including erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and a diminished desire for sexual relations. Because of these treatment side effects, prostate cancer is often considered a couples' disease. The purpose of our study is to describe the impact of prostate cancer treatment-related symptoms on low-income couples, including Latino couples, undergoing a radical prostatectomy. We have started interviewing couples at three time points following the man's surgery. The men are asked to complete a questionnaire that asks about urinary, bowel, sexual, and hormonal symptoms and one that asks about his relationship with his partner. The partner is asked to complete the same relationship questionnaire. Couples are interviewed by telephone. Analysis of this data will allow us to identify the types of interventions that are needed and would be acceptable to these couples. It is essential to understand the needs, perspective, and culture of individuals for whom interventions are to be developed, information from this study will be critical to the development of interventions that are specific to the culture and needs of low-income couples who are managing the symptoms of prostate cancer treatment.