Patient Knowledge and Qualities of Treatment Decisions for Localized Prostate Cancer

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Treatment decisions for localized prostate cancer (LPC) remain a subject of debate.
• Significant knowledge deficits exist among men diagnosed with LPC regarding treatment options and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate localized prostate cancer (LPC) knowledge in men.
• To determine the association between LPC knowledge and decision-making difficulty, satisfaction, and regret.

Main Methods:

• A population-based survey was administered to 201 men (104 white, 97 black) aged ≤75 with newly diagnosed LPC.
• Data collected included demographics, LPC knowledge, and associations with decision-making outcomes.

Main Results:

• Mean LPC knowledge score was low (5.87/11), with significant gaps concerning treatment side effects and comparative benefits.
• Knowledge deficits were more pronounced in Black men, those with lower education, and single men.
• While knowledge was not linked to satisfaction or regret, it was associated with increased decision-making difficulty (P = .018).

Conclusions:

• Substantial knowledge gaps in localized prostate cancer (LPC) persist, disproportionately affecting Black men and less educated individuals.
• The link between knowledge and decision difficulty was independent of race, suggesting a need for improved patient education.
• Despite the need for better education, inherent scientific uncertainties may limit its impact on reducing decision-making difficulty.