Sociocultural determinants of men's reactions to prostate cancer diagnosis

To develop a better understanding of how men react to being diagnosed with prostate cancer and identify factors that influence these responses, we conducted an observational study to identify sociocultural predictors of men's psychological reactions.

Participants were 70 African American and 124 white prostate cancer patients who completed a structured telephone interview that evaluated psychological reactions in terms of intrusive thoughts about cancer and attempts to avoid cancer-related thoughts and feelings. Perceptions of disease-specific stress, cultural beliefs and values, and social constraints were also assessed during the interview.

There were no racial differences in men's reactions to being diagnosed with prostate cancer; however, greater perceptions of disease-specific stress, increasing levels of present temporal orientation, and more social constraints had significant positive effects on avoidant reactions. Greater perceptions of stress also had a significant positive effect on intrusive thoughts.

The results of this study highlight the need for individualized approaches to help men address their thoughts and feelings about being diagnosed with prostate cancer. These efforts should include strategies that help men to communicate more effectively with social support resources and address cultural beliefs and values related to temporal orientation.