Conversion from active surveillance to active treatment for prostate cancer.

Active surveillance (AS) has been an option for prostate cancer management for many years. However, only about 10% of clinically appropriate prostate cancer patients undergo AS. The reasons for the low selection and adherence to AS are unknown. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the reasons why men convert from AS to active treatment. Known converters from AS to active treatment were identified through the PI’s prior study with this population and participating urologists. A purposive sample of six participants was interviewed using a structured interview instrument developed by the researcher to examine reasons why participants converted from AS to active treatment. Participant tecruitment was based out of a Urology Clinic in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Four themes emerged from the analysis of research transcripts: 1) A Dangerous Wait, 2) Clinical Surveillance, 3) Need for Information & Support, 4) The Aftermath. The results of the study will inform health care providers regarding the education and psychosocial support needs of men undergoing AS for prostate cancer.

Duke Scholars

Author Donald Etheridge Bailey Jr. School of Nursing