The Influence of Family Ties on Men’s Prostate Cancer Screening, Biopsy, and Treatment Decisions

Abstract

Extensive research has focused on understanding family dynamics of men with prostate cancer. However, little qualitative work has examined the role of family ties on men’s prostate cancer decisions across the spectrum of screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Using data from a larger study, we qualitatively explored the influence of family ties on men’s prostate cancer decisions. Semistructured interviews were conducted with men ages ≥50 ( N = 64), and data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach and a series of immersion/crystallization cycles. Three major themes of spousal/family member influence were identified: (a) spousal/family member alliance marked by open communication and shared decision making, (b) men who actively opposed spouse/family member pressure and made final decisions themselves, and (c) men who yielded to spouse/family member pressure. Our findings provide insights into men’s relational dynamics that are important to consider for the shared decision-making process across the prostate cancer spectrum.

African American Women’s Involvement in Promoting Informed Decision-Making for Prostate Cancer Screening Among Their Partners/Spouses

“…In our prior studies ( Allen et al, 2007 ; Allen, Kennedy, Wilson-Glover, & Gilligan, 2007 ; Allen, Mohllajee, Shelton, Drake, & Mars, 2008 ; Allen et al, 2010a ), as well as those of others ( Friedman, Thomas, Owens, & Hebert, 2015 ; Hunter, Vines, & Calisle, 2015 ; Jackson, Owens, Friedman, & Dubose-Morris, 2015 ; Miller, 2014b ; Owens, Jackson, Thomas, Friedman, & Hébert, 2015 ; Shaw et al, 2013 ), it has been documented that a female spouse or partner may play an important role in providing health information, helping to clarify values as they relate to health decisions, and assisting with arrangements to access medical care. Indeed, family members are often considered the most trusted source of health- related information ( Griffith, 2012 ; Holt, 2015 ).…”

“…In general, men with higher levels of income, education, insurance coverage, and those with a family member who has been diagnosed with the disease are more likely to be screened than their counterparts ( Halbert et al, 2015 ; Harmon, 2014 ; Pedersen et al, 2012 ; Sanchez, Bowen, & Hart, 2007 ). Other factors that may impact African American men’s screening decisions include lack of awareness of heightened risk of the disease ( Shavers, Underwood, & Moser, 2009 ; Shaw, Scott, & Ferrante, 2013 ), diminished access to health care ( Forrester-Anderson, 2005 ), mistrust of health-care providers, ( Allen, Stoddard, & Sorenson, 2007 ; Spain, Carpenter, Talcott, 2008 ), and poor communication with health-care providers ( Allen et al, 2007 ; Halbert et al, 2015 ; Hughes, Sellers, Fraser, Teague, & Knight, 2007 ; Shaw et al, 2013 ).…”

Latino Men and Familial Risk Communication About Prostate Cancer

“…This research identifies community health promotion opportunities to increase informed decision making about screening for PCa amongst Latino men. Our study extends previous work on familial communication about risk and the importance of culture (Ola Bratt, Emanuelsson, & Grönberg, 2003; Christophe, Vennin, Corbeil, Adenis, & Reich, 2009; Harris et al, 2010; Lagos et al, 2008; Palmquist et al, 2010; Shaw, Scott, & Ferrante, 2013; Vadaparampil, McIntyre, & Quinn, 2010; Wakefield et al, 2008). It follows up on our work with men with PCa about their disclosure patterns and communication with unaffected FDMRs (Maliski et al, 2012).…”

“…Several sons linked Latino culture, especially in their father’s generation, to poor communication about PCa and screening specifics. While discomfort with screening is not unique to Latino culture - men across ethnic groups are uncomfortable with the DRE (Shaw et al, 2013) - understanding cultural aspects of how information is presented and disseminated through social networks is critical to address taboo and stigma (Consedine et al, 2007; Consedine, Morgenstern, Kudadjie-Gyamfi, Magai, & Neugut, 2006; McFall, 2007). …”

Involvement in Decision Making and Satisfaction With Treatment Among Partners of Patients With Newly Diagnosed Localized Prostate Cancer

“…However, existing research often describes treatment decision making as a dyadic process between the patient and healthcare providers (Zeliadt et al, 2006), with little emphasis on partner involvement. Most descriptive (Berry et al, 2006; Diefenbach & Mohamed, 2007; Shaw, Scott, & Ferrante, 2013) and intervention studies (Berry et al, 2013; Lin, Aaronson, Knight, Carroll, & Dudley, 2009) about treatment decision making for prostate cancer have focused on the patients’ concerns and satisfaction with treatment decision making. However, partners play an important role in how well patients with prostate cancer manage their illness (Ervik, Nordøy, & Asplund, 2013; Wootten et al, 2014; Wu, Mohamed, Winkel, & Diefenbach, 2013).…”