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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
13:19
Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 2, 2013
Thinking, Feeling, Choosing: How Affect Is Reflected in Prostate Cancer Treatment Decision Making-A Qualitative Study
Rui Gong1,2, Nayrelis Alfonso2, Aida M van Mossel2
1Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.
Psycho-Oncology
|August 9, 2026
Summary
Affect significantly influences how men with low-to intermediate-risk prostate cancer (LIRPC) make treatment decisions. Understanding these emotions is key to improving shared decision-making (SDM) and patient satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Decision Sciences
- Psychology
- Oncology
Background:
- Shared decision-making (SDM) in cancer care often overlooks the role of affect.
- Men with low-to intermediate-risk prostate cancer (LIRPC) face distinct emotional challenges with active treatment vs. surveillance.
- Limited integration of affective science into cancer decision-making contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine how affect, cognition, and psychosocial factors shape LIRPC treatment decisions.
- Apply SDM and affective science frameworks to understand men's decision-making experiences.
- Investigate the interplay of emotions and information processing in cancer treatment choices.
Main Methods:
- Conducted semi-structured interviews with 28 men with LIRPC across active surveillance (AS) and active treatment (AT) pathways.
- Explored information interpretation, emotional experiences in decision-making, and role preferences.
- Utilized theory-informed interview guides and the Control Preferences Scale.
Main Results:
- Information understanding is influenced by medical communication clarity and relational context.
- Men reported significant affective responses during diagnosis, awaiting results, and pre-surgery.
- Decision-making involved deliberation, personal values, trust, and family support, with coping strategies to manage affect.
Conclusions:
- Affect varies across contexts and time points in LIRPC decision-making.
- Emotions are integral to interpreting information, navigating relationships, and defining priorities (e.g., quality of life, autonomy).
- Integrating affect into decision support, especially at critical junctures, can enhance SDM and treatment satisfaction.
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