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Adjustment strategies amongst black African and black Caribbean men following treatment for prostate cancer: Findings from the Life After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis (LAPCD) study
Author(s) -
Wagland Richard,
Nayoan Johana,
Matheson Lauren,
Rivas Carol,
Brett Jo,
Collaco Nicole,
Alexis Obrey,
Gavin Anna,
Glaser Adam W,
Watson Eila
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.13183
Subject(s) - medicine , psychological intervention , prostate cancer , masculinity , stigma (botany) , faith , qualitative research , family medicine , gynecology , cancer , psychiatry , gender studies , social science , philosophy , theology , sociology
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 and 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 men's 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.