Decision-making processes among men with low-risk prostate cancer: A survey study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Decision Science

Background:

• Low-risk prostate cancer management involves complex treatment decisions.
• Patient engagement and understanding are crucial for optimal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize decision-making processes and outcomes in men with early-treatment preferences for low-risk prostate cancer.
• To identify knowledge gaps and decisional conflict among treatment preference groups.

Main Methods:

• Telephone surveys conducted with 761 men newly diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer (2012-2014).
• Analysis of decision-making processes, knowledge, styles, preferences, and decisional conflict.
• Comparison of responses across active surveillance, surgery, and radiotherapy preference groups using chi-square or ANOVA.

Main Results:

• 55% preferred active surveillance (AS), 26% surgery, 19% radiotherapy.
• High awareness of low-risk status (97%) and AS option (96%).
• Men preferring active treatment (AT) showed unawareness of complications (sexual 23%, urinary 41%); AS preferrers had more decisional uncertainty.

Conclusions:

• Men are engaged in decision-making but possess knowledge gaps regarding active treatment complications.
• Slightly higher decisional uncertainty exists among men preferring active surveillance.
• Early decision support is recommended to address knowledge gaps and enhance decision confidence.