Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

About: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is a nonprofit organization based out in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Prostate cancer & Health care. The organization has 17 authors who have published 48 publications receiving 1008 citations.

A Systematic Review of Financial Toxicity Among Cancer Survivors: We Can't Pay the Co-Pay.

Abstract: To determine the extent of financial toxicity (FT) among cancer survivors, identify the determinants and how FT is measured A systematic review was performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO, using relevant terminology and included articles published from 1 January, 2013 to 30 June, 2016 We included observational studies where the primary outcomes included FT and study samples were greater than 200 The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed From 417 citations, a total of 25 studies were included in this review Seventy outcomes of FT were reported with 47 covering monetary, objective and subjective indicators of FT A total of 28–48% of patients reported FT using monetary measures and 16–73% using subjective measures The most commonly reported factors associated with FT were: being female, younger age, low income at baseline, adjuvant therapies and more recent diagnosis Relative to non-cancer comparison groups, cancer survivors experienced significantly higher FT Most studies were cross-sectional and causal inferences between FT and determinants were not possible Measures of FT were varied and most were not validated, while monetary values of out-of-pocket expenses included different cost components across studies A substantial proportion of cancer survivors experience financial hardship irrespective of how it is measured Using standardised outcomes and longitudinal designs to measure FT would improve determination of the extent of FT Further research is recommended on reduced work participation and income losses occurring concurrently with FT and on the impacts on treatment non-adherence

Financial toxicity: a potential side effect of prostate cancer treatment among Australian men

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to understand the extent, nature and variability of the current economic burden of prostate cancer among Australian men. An online cross-sectional survey was developed that combined pre-existing economic measures and new questions. With few exceptions, the online survey was viable and acceptable to participants. The main outcomes were self-reported out-of-pocket costs of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, changes in employment status and household finances. Men were recruited from prostate cancer support groups throughout Australia. Descriptive statistical analyses were undertaken. A total of 289 men responded to the survey during April and June 2013. Our study found that men recently diagnosed (within 16 months of the survey) (n = 65) reported spending a median AU$8000 (interquartile range AU$14 000) for their cancer treatment while 75% of men spent up to AU$17 000 (2012). Twenty per cent of all men found the cost of treating their prostate cancer caused them ‘a great deal’ of distress. The findings suggest a large variability in medical costs for prostate cancer treatment with 5% of men spending $250 or less in out-of-pocket expenses and some men facing very high costs. On average, respondents in paid employment at diagnosis stated that they had retired 4–5 years earlier than planned.

Erectile dysfunction, masculinity, and psychosocial outcomes: a review of the experiences of men after prostate cancer treatment

Abstract: Prostate cancer (PC) treatment side-effects such as erectile dysfunction (ED) can impact men’s quality of life (QoL), psychosocial and psycho-sexual adjustment. Masculinity (i.e., men’s identity or sense of themselves as being a man) may also be linked to how men respond to PC treatment and ED however the exact nature of this link is unclear. This review aims to provide a snapshot of the current state of evidence regarding ED, masculinity and psychosocial impacts after PC treatment. Three databases (Medline/PsycINFO, CINHAL, and EMBASE) were searched January 1st 1980 to January 31st 2016. Study inclusion criteria were: patients treated for PC; ED or sexual function measured; masculinity measured in quantitative studies or emerged as a theme in qualitative studies; included psychosocial or QoL outcome(s); published in English language, peer-reviewed journal articles. Fifty two articles (14 quantitative, 38 qualitative) met review criteria. Studies were predominantly cross-sectional, North American, samples of heterosexual men, with localised PC, and treated with radical prostatectomy. Results show that masculinity framed men’s responses to, and was harmed by their experience with, ED after PC treatment. In qualitative studies, men with ED consistently reported lost (no longer a man) or diminished (less of a man) masculinity, and this was linked to depression, embarrassment, decreased self-worth, and fear of being stigmatised. The correlation between ED and masculinity was similarly supported in quantitative studies. In two studies, masculinity was also a moderator of poorer QoL and mental health outcomes for PC patients with ED. In qualitative studies, masculinity underpinned how men interpreted and adjusted to their experience. Men used traditional (hegemonic) coping responses including emotional restraint, stoicism, acceptance, optimism, and humour or rationalised their experience relative to their age (ED inevitable), prolonged life (ED small price to pay), definition of sex (more than erection and penetration), other evidence of virility (already had children) or sexual prowess (sown a lot of wild oats). Limitations of studies reviewed included: poorly developed theoretical and context-specific measurement approaches; few quantitative empirical or prospective studies; moderating or mediating factors rarely assessed; heterogeneity (demographics, sexual orientation, treatment type) rarely considered. Clinicians and health practitioners can help PC patients with ED to broaden their perceptions of sexual relationships and assist them to make meaning out of their experience in ways that decrease the threat to their masculinity. The challenge going forward is to better unpack the relationship between ED and masculinity for PC patients by addressing the methodological limitations outlined so that interventions for ED that incorporate masculinity in a holistic way can be developed.

Evaluating peer support for prostate cancer: the Prostate Cancer Peer Support Inventory.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To develop and test a measure for assessing peer support for men attending prostate cancer support groups, and to describe sociodemographic, medical and adjustment characteristics of Australian men who attend these support groups.