Lived Experience of Men with Prostate Cancer in Ireland: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Prostate cancer is recognised as the second most common diagnosed cancer in men and remains a significant global public health concern. In Ireland, the incidence of prostate cancer continues to rise, with approximately 1 in 6 men being diagnosed in their lifetime. Men's experiences with prostate cancer are complex, necessitating further research into the factors influencing diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, this study aims to explore men's experiences with prostate cancer, emphasising the interplay between screening, diagnosis, and the lived experiences of those affected.

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted among men with prostate cancer in Ireland. Using a purposive sampling (n = 11) were interviewed with data saturation guiding sample size determination. A semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection either face-to-face or via Microsoft Teams and phone calls. Data were analysed using Braune and Clarke's thematic analysis approach after transcription, with NVivo 12.0 software supporting analysis.

Thematic analysis identified five themes: systemic obstacle in timely cancer detection, the role of efficient system in cancer care, emotional resilience in cancer recovery, redefining normalcy post treatment and harnessing specialised support network in coping strategies. These themes were examined through the lens of the Biopsychosocial Model to understand their interconnected nature and impact on patient experiences.

This study highlights the complex factors affecting prostate cancer patients' experiences, emphasizing the need for a patient-centred approach, addressing systemic disparities, and promoting multidisciplinary care. It suggests implementing evidence-based survivorship care frameworks to improve quality of life for survivors, with future research exploring long-term effects of integrated care models.