Adjustment strategies amongst black African and black Caribbean men following treatment for prostate cancer: findings from the Life After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis (LAPCD) study

Richard Wagland, Johana Nayoan, Lauren Matheson, Carol Rivas, Jo Brett, Nicole Collaço, Obrey Alexis, Anna Gavin, Adam W Glaser, Eila Watson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Abstract
Objective: To explore adjustment strategies adopted by Black African (BA) and Black Caribbean (BC) men in the UK as a response to the impact of PCa diagnosis and treatment effects.
Methods: Men were recruited through the UK-wide ‘Life After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis’ (LAPCD) survey. Telephone interviews were conducted with men (n=14) with BA and BC backgrounds between 18-42 months post-diagnosis. Data were analysed using a Framework approach.
Results: Most men (n=12) were born outside the UK, were married (n=9) and employed (n=9). Median age was 66 years (range: 55-85). Six overarching themes emerged: a strong reliance upon faith beliefs; maintaining a ‘positive’ front; work as distraction; non-disclosure of diagnosis even amongst family members, influenced by stigma and masculinity concerns; active awareness-raising amongst a minority, and; support-seeking from close community. A few men emphasised a need to ‘pitch’ awareness-raising messages appropriately. Potential links existed between faith beliefs, presenting a positive front, community support-seeking and local awareness-raising.
Conclusion: The provision of patient-centred care requires cultural sensitivity. Interventions that challenge stigma and mens’ reluctance to disclose problems associated with PCa and treatment may encourage help-seeking for symptom support. Research is needed to determine how best awareness-raising messages should be conveyed to black men.

Keywords: Black African; Black Caribbean; Prostate cancer; survivorship; psychosocial
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere13183
Number of pages9
JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer Care
Volume29
Issue number1
Early online date23 Oct 2019
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2020

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