Treatment decision regret among Finnish prostate cancer patients
Summanen, Kaisa (2024)
2024
Master's Programme in Public and Global Health
Yhteiskuntatieteiden tiedekunta - Faculty of Social Sciences
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Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2024-06-17
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202406036667
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202406036667
Tiivistelmä
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Finland, particularly affecting those over 70, and the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. Despite high survival rates, it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Finnish men, with its burden expected to rise due to an aging population. Diagnosis and treatment involve complex decisions based on the cancer's characteristics, patient's age, health, and preferences. Treatment options range from active surveillance to radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), each with significant side effects like erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, gastrointestinal issues, and sexual dysfunction. These side effects can greatly impact quality of life and may lead to treatment decision regret.
This study aims to investigate prostate cancer patients' feelings about their treatment decisions post-diagnosis, focusing on whether they experience regret and how regret levels change over time. Additionally, it examines the association between sociodemographic factors, types of treatments, and treatment decision regret. By thoroughly exploring these associations, the study seeks to gain a deep understanding of the factors influencing regret among prostate cancer patients.
The data for this study was sourced from the QPro3 research project, which examined life satisfaction and quality of life among prostate cancer patients from diagnosis to three years post-diagnosis. This longitudinal study on treatment decision regret utilized data from QPro3 surveys conducted among prostate cancer patients diagnosed between 2017 and 2020 in the Pirkanmaa hospital region. Surveys were administered at the time of diagnosis, and then at 6, 12, and 36 months later, total of four rounds, concluding at the end of 2023. The study focused on survey results related to treatment decision regret and sociodemographic factors. The participants were Finnish-speaking prostate cancer patients diagnosed at Tampere University Hospital, with a sample size of 626 patients. The data was analysed using quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, crosstabulation and multinomial logistic regression.
The analysis of regret levels at 6, 12, and 36 months post-diagnosis found that a minority of prostate cancer patients expressed regret regarding their treatment choices. Across all time points, most patients consistently reported minimal regret, with no notable changes over time. While slight variations in regret levels were noted concerning different treatments and certain sociodemographic factors, these associations were generally weak. Notably, the study indicated that older patients were more likely to experience regret. Furthermore, patients who underwent ADT or a combination of radiation therapy/brachytherapy with ADT were less likely to report regret compared to those who chose active surveillance.
In conclusion, prostate cancer remains a significant health concern, especially among older men in Finland, highlighting the importance of understanding the quality of life, including treatment decision regret, among Finnish cancer patients. The complex treatment decisions these patients face can result in regret, affecting their overall well-being. This study has identified some key factors contributing to treatment decision regret and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive patient education and ongoing support to mitigate this regret. By addressing these requirements, healthcare providers can offer better assistance to prostate cancer patients, enabling them to make informed decisions and enhancing their treatment journey and quality of life.
This study aims to investigate prostate cancer patients' feelings about their treatment decisions post-diagnosis, focusing on whether they experience regret and how regret levels change over time. Additionally, it examines the association between sociodemographic factors, types of treatments, and treatment decision regret. By thoroughly exploring these associations, the study seeks to gain a deep understanding of the factors influencing regret among prostate cancer patients.
The data for this study was sourced from the QPro3 research project, which examined life satisfaction and quality of life among prostate cancer patients from diagnosis to three years post-diagnosis. This longitudinal study on treatment decision regret utilized data from QPro3 surveys conducted among prostate cancer patients diagnosed between 2017 and 2020 in the Pirkanmaa hospital region. Surveys were administered at the time of diagnosis, and then at 6, 12, and 36 months later, total of four rounds, concluding at the end of 2023. The study focused on survey results related to treatment decision regret and sociodemographic factors. The participants were Finnish-speaking prostate cancer patients diagnosed at Tampere University Hospital, with a sample size of 626 patients. The data was analysed using quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, crosstabulation and multinomial logistic regression.
The analysis of regret levels at 6, 12, and 36 months post-diagnosis found that a minority of prostate cancer patients expressed regret regarding their treatment choices. Across all time points, most patients consistently reported minimal regret, with no notable changes over time. While slight variations in regret levels were noted concerning different treatments and certain sociodemographic factors, these associations were generally weak. Notably, the study indicated that older patients were more likely to experience regret. Furthermore, patients who underwent ADT or a combination of radiation therapy/brachytherapy with ADT were less likely to report regret compared to those who chose active surveillance.
In conclusion, prostate cancer remains a significant health concern, especially among older men in Finland, highlighting the importance of understanding the quality of life, including treatment decision regret, among Finnish cancer patients. The complex treatment decisions these patients face can result in regret, affecting their overall well-being. This study has identified some key factors contributing to treatment decision regret and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive patient education and ongoing support to mitigate this regret. By addressing these requirements, healthcare providers can offer better assistance to prostate cancer patients, enabling them to make informed decisions and enhancing their treatment journey and quality of life.