TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2013 /CNW/ - Prostate cancer can impact quality of life, affecting patients' day-to-day life and overall well-being. According to a new national survey of men who have or have had prostate cancer, the condition's physical manifestations can also lead to psychological and social concerns, both of which are more pronounced for those in the later stages of the disease, when the tumour has metastasized or spread beyond the prostate.
The most reported physical concern (64 per cent) for all men surveyed is being unable to maintain an erection; however, for men with advanced (stages 3 and 4) prostate cancer, the psychological concerns (69 per cent) and social concerns (50 per cent) are just as important, and include feelings of loss of masculinity, loss of dignity and loss of identity, and missing out on important life events.1
"Intuitively, we know quality of life is a concern for men with prostate cancer, but these survey results are important because they reveal the burden on quality of life over the course of the disease," says Jackie Manthorne, President and CEO, Canadian Cancer Survivor Network. "By acknowledging and understanding the unique challenges and concerns that men with early and advanced stage prostate cancer face, we can provide better support throughout all stages of the disease."
The Burden of Prostate Cancer Over the Course of the Disease
More than one-third of all men living with prostate cancer (36 per cent) say the disease has impacted their ability to participate in daily activities, such as using the bathroom, being physically active and travelling.2
Furthermore, the impact the disease has on quality of life is much greater for those living with advanced prostate cancer than early stage prostate cancer (stages 1 and 2). In fact, the majority of men with prostate cancer (70 per cent) in the early stage of the disease report having an excellent or very good quality of life compared to only 39 per cent of those with advanced prostate cancer.3 Among those with early stage prostate cancer, sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and fatigue are the most common physical challenges experienced; however, the impact is far greater for those living with advanced prostate cancer.4
While 84 per cent of all men surveyed feel they are living their lives to the fullest,5 many reported that they are unable to enjoy life,6 including 50 per cent of men with advanced prostate cancer and 19 per cent of men with early stage prostate cancer.7
"When I was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, the news came with such a force in my life," says Don Konantz, from Vancouver. "The emasculating side effects of this disease can be very real. Working closely with my doctor has helped me navigate the treatments associated with this complicated and sometimes overwhelming diagnosis and supported me in living life the best I can."
Working Together for Prostate Cancer Care
Caregivers play an active role in the lives of their loved ones with prostate cancer. The survey found that caregivers provide approximately 25 hours of care per week and that the majority of them (69 per cent) are spouses.8 Beyond providing encouragement and emotional support, almost seven-in-ten (65 per cent) attend doctor visits and over half (57 per cent) are involved in the treatment decisions of their loved ones.9 At least monthly, one-third of caregivers keep up-to-date on medication and treatment options and learn about the disease.1
The survey also revealed that more than half of men with prostate cancer (56 per cent) and caregivers (57 per cent) wish better treatment options were available.11 This figure dramatically increases to 92 per cent for men who identify themselves as having advanced prostate cancer.12
"Being able to enjoy time with family and friends and create memories is paramount for men living with prostate cancer, particularly those at the advanced stages who may not have the benefit of time" says Dr. Alan So*, research scientist, Prostate Centre at Vancouver General Hospital and associate professor, Department of Urologic Sciences at the University of British Columbia. "It's important that men and their caregivers speak with their doctors about the latest treatment advances that delay disease progression, but also improve quality of life and survival time."
About the Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Patient and Caregiver Survey
The survey was conducted between June 21 and July 7, 2013, by Leger Marketing on behalf of Janssen Inc., and in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN), a national network working together by taking action to promote the very best standard of care, support, follow up and quality of life for cancer patients and survivors, and PROCURE, a Quebec-based group that provides science and humanity with means to help prevent and cure prostate cancer.
The survey used an online questionnaire to poll 517 Canadian men who currently have or have had prostate cancer (including 73 men with stage 1 and 2, 26 men with stage 3 and 4 prostate cancer, and 418 men with no current evidence of the disease or prefer not to answer) as well as 256 caregivers. A probability sample of prostate cancer patients of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 4.3 per cent, 19 times out of 20. A probability sample of caregivers of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 6.1 per cent.
About Prostate Cancer in Canada
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to afflict men in Canada and approximately 23,600 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually.13 According to the Canadian Cancer Society, prostate cancer is turning up in men in their 40s and on average, 65 Canadian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every day, and 11 men die of prostate cancer every day.14 Approximately 10 to 20 per cent of prostate cancer cases will present with metastatic disease, in which the tumour spreads beyond the prostate.15 Fortunately, death rates have been declining since the mid-1990s.16
About Janssen Inc.
At Janssen, we are dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet medical needs of our time in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases and vaccines, metabolic and chronic diseases and women's health. Driven by our commitment to patients, we bring innovative products, services and solutions to people throughout the world. Janssen Inc. is a member of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies. Please visit www.janssen.ca for more information.
*Dr. So was not compensated for any media work. He has been a paid consultant to Janssen Inc.
References
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1 The "Prostate Cancer - Quality of Life Patient and Caregiver Study" was conducted through an online survey by Leger Marketing between June 21st and July 7th, 2013 with 517 Canadian men who currently have or have had prostate cancer (including 73 men with stage 1 and 2 and 26 men with stage 3 and 4 prostate cancer) and 256 caregivers. A probability sample of prostate cancer patients of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 4.3%, 19 times out of 20. A probability sample of caregivers of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 6.1%.
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid.
4 Ibid.
5 Ibid.
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid.
8 Ibid.
9 Ibid.
10 Ibid.
11 Ibid.
12 Ibid.
13 Canadian Cancer Society. Prostate Cancer Statistics at a glance. Available at: http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide/About%20cancer/Cancer%20statistics/Stats%20at%20a%20glance/Prostate%20cancer.aspx?sc_lang=en. Last accessed August 19, 2013.
14 Ibid.
15 Bellmunt J, Charles J, Albanell J. Predictive modelling in hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). Clin Transl Oncol. 2009 Feb;11(2):82-5.
16 Canadian Cancer Society. Prostate Cancer Statistics at a glance. Available at: http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide/About%20cancer/Cancer%20statistics/Stats%20at%20a%20glance/Prostate%20cancer.aspx?sc_lang=en. Last accessed March 13, 2013.
Video with caption: "Video: Three Canadian men living with advanced prostate cancer share their unique stories of hope and inspiration and the impact the condition has on their quality of life.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20130923_C9404_VIDEO_EN_31154.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20130923_C9404_PHOTO_EN_31154.jpg&clientName=Janssen%20Inc%2E&caption=Video%3A%20Three%20Canadian%20men%20living%20with%20advanced%20prostate%20cancer%20share%20their%20unique%20stories%20of%20hope%20and%20inspiration%20and%20the%20impact%20the%20condition%20has%20on%20their%20quality%20of%20life%2E&title=JANSSEN%20INC%2E%20%2D%20New%20Survey%20Reveals%20the%20Effects%20of%20Prostate%20Cancer%20Go%20Beyond%20the%20Physical%2C%20Leading%20to%20Feelings%20of%20Loss%20of%20Masculinity%20and%20Loss%20of%20Identity&headline=New%20Survey%20Reveals%20the%20Effects%20of%20Prostate%20Cancer%20Go%20Beyond%20the%20Physical%2C%20Leading%20to%20Feelings%20of%20Loss%20of%20Masculinity%20and%20Loss%20of%20Identity
Image with caption: "Advanced Prostate Cancer Infographic (CNW Group/Janssen Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130923_C9404_PHOTO_EN_31144.jpg
SOURCE: Janssen Inc.
Alexandra Fahmey
Edelman
(416) 849-1516
[email protected]
Laura Espinoza
Janssen
(416) 382-5156
[email protected]
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