Medical options to help prostate cancer patients make informed treatment decisions

May 10 2010

While the dreaded words "You have prostate cancer" often leave patients confused, the impact of the diagnosis can extend to the entire family, especially wives, says a top expert.

"Prostate cancer is a family disease, and the spouse is usually heavily involved in his care and has to cope with the physical and emotional changes of their partner," says Michael Diefenbach, Ph.D., associate professor of Urology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and the lead investigator of Healing Choices, a new prostate cancer study.

Often men have tremendous difficulties deciding about their treatment, which can add to needless distress and side effects, says Diefenbach. Compounding the problem is the added strain this places on the wife. "Women are often making the calls to doctors, setting up appointments and learning about the disease and treatment options," says Diefenbach.

Also, most men follow the recommendation of the first specialist they're seeing, even though other options might exist, Diefenbach explains.  

What might help men and their families during this time of distress is to recognize that they have time for decision making after being diagnosed.  The Cancer Information Service Research Consortium (CISRC) is conducting a Healing Choices study that will try to determine if receiving a multimedia presentation of medical options helps patients make informed treatment decisions.

Patients who call toll-free, 866-258-7981, will receive one of two information packets, depending on which part of the study they become enrolled in. Some will receive a free, multimedia program and printed material. Others will receive only printed material.

Both groups will receive information that outlines various options.

"This multimedia program allows patients and their families to watch and listen to various treatment options, which we feel will help them make a more informed decision," says Diefenbach.

To be eligible to participate, the patient must have a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer and not yet have chosen any treatment.

"If your loved one has prostate cancer, pick up the phone on their behalf and make the call," says Diefenbach. "You will receive the best possible information, and your participation will help those who are diagnosed in the future."

SOURCE Cancer Information Service Research Consortium