An Exploration of Precancer and Post-Cancer Diagnosis and Health Communication Among African American Prostate Cancer Survivors and Their Families

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among American men, with Black men at the highest risk for the disease. Few studies have been published on how communication between Black prostate cancer survivors and their family members affect health outcomes and subsequent health communication. The purpose of this study was to understand cancer and health communication among Black prostate cancer survivors and their families before and after disclosing their diagnosis. Through a mixed method design, 11 Black prostate cancer survivors participated from the Southeastern region of the United States, completed questionnaires, and took part in a focus group. The study utilized 4 focus groups of Black prostate cancer survivors ranging in age from 51 to 76 years. Descriptive statistics revealed 91% ( n = 10) of participants indicated they could openly discuss health issues in their family and 82% ( n = 9) indicated a female relative as the person responsible for teaching about health. An analysis of the transcripts revealed four themes utilizing thematic network: (a) communication over the life course of the prostate cancer survivor, (b) parents’ communication with family, (c) disclosing prostate cancer diagnosis, and (d) treatment options for prostate cancer. Results suggested the participants recognized the importance of discussing prostate cancer with their families to reduce fears and misconceptions about the disease. Through the exploration of cancer and health communication within Black families, solutions can be derived for increasing health behaviors and health knowledge among men.

“Hope at a Better Chance”: Perspectives on Genetic Counseling and Testing among Black Individuals with Prostate Cancer

“…In contrast, participants who reported restricted familial communication and resultant ignorance of family cancer history discussed direct impacts to their own risk perception which, precluded them from seeking information about GC/GT. While understudied, this analysis aligns with prior research demonstrating that limited family health history communication is a barrier to cancer prevention measures, including pre-symptomatic GC/GT (Dickey et al, 2020;Kinney et al, 2010).…”

The impact of radical prostatectomy on the social well‐being of prostate cancer survivors: A qualitative meta‐synthesis

“…After duplicate removal, 1706 unique records were screened for inclusion. Of these, 141 underwent full‐text review with a final 31 articles included (Albaugh et al, 2017; Araújo et al, 2019; Capistrant et al, 2016; Chapple & Ziebland, 2002; Collaço et al, 2020; Dickey et al, 2020; Eilat‐Tsanani et al, 2013; Fergus, 2011; Fergus et al, 2002; Green, 2019; Grunfeld et al, 2013; Hanly et al, 2014; Hedestig et al, 2005; Kelly et al, 2015; Maliski et al, 2002; Martínez‐Bordajandi et al, 2020; McConkey & Holborn, 2018; Nanton & Dale, 2011; Nelson et al, 2019; O'Brien et al, 2011; Oliffe, 2005; Petry et al, 2004; Pietilä et al, 2018; Powel & Clark, 2005; Schantz Laursen, 2017; Speer et al, 2017; Wagland et al, 2020; Wall et al, 2013; Wennick et al, 2017; Wittmann et al, 2015; Yu Ko et al, 2018) (Figure 1). Dates of publication ranged from 2002 to 2020 and study populations drawn from 12 different countries, spanning five continents (Europe 17, North America 9, Australia 3, South America 1 and Asia 1).…”

“…Fear of judgement was a common theme across prostate cancer survivors, hindering their socialisation ability and preventing them from the pursuit of hobbies and activities of daily living (Araújo et al, 2019; Capistrant et al, 2016; Chapple & Ziebland, 2002; Dickey et al, 2020; Eilat‐Tsanani et al, 2013; Hanly et al, 2014; Hedestig et al, 2005; Nelson et al, 2019; Powel & Clark, 2005; Schantz Laursen, 2017; Wagland et al, 2020; Wennick et al, 2017). Although occasionally impacting couples' relationships too, the social stigma was mainly concerned with judgement received from distant family, friends and the wider community (Araújo et al, 2019; Eilat‐Tsanani et al, 2013; Hanly et al, 2014; Nelson et al, 2019).…”

“…As a consequence, men hid their struggles and maintained secrecy regarding the side effects they are experiencing. This left men with little to no social support, greatly affecting their social well‐being (Araújo et al, 2019; Dickey et al, 2020; Fergus, 2011; Hedestig et al, 2005; Schantz Laursen, 2017; Wagland et al, 2020; Wall et al, 2013).…”

Supportive care needs of men with prostate cancer: A systematic review update

“…Stigma around PCa and a reluctance to disclose their diagnosis and its consequences to friends and family were reported by participants in several studies (Dickey et al, 2020;Dunn et al, 2017;Ettridge et al, 2017;Maharaj & Kazanjian, 2019;Margariti et al, 2019;Nelson et al, 2019;Volk et al, 2013). Men in one study viewed a diagnosis of PCa as less socially acceptable than a diagnosis of heart disease:…”