Abstract 4441: Informational needs of prostate cancer survivors: Findings from the Michigan Prostate Cancer Follow-Back Study
Authors: May Darwish-Yassine, Manijeh Berenji, Carol Garlinghouse, Laurel Northouse, Glenn Copeland, Raymond Y. Demers, John T. Wei
Journal: Cancer Research (2012)

Abstract Introduction: Following diagnosis of prostate cancer, many patients are left to decipher complicated medical terminology in order to make informed decisions about their medical care. Little is known about demographic, diagnostic, treatment, and psychosocial factors associated with types of information sources sought by prostate cancer survivors, as well as the information-seeking styles of these individuals. Methods: 7,763 prostate cancer survivors diagnosed from 1985-2004 were identified through the Michigan Cancer Registry. The survey included questions on (i) demographics (ii) diagnostics and treatments (iii) quality of life, and (iv) informational needs. SPSS statistical software 19.0 was used in analysis. Descriptive statistics were tabulated to evaluate informational sources. Logistic and multivariate regression analyses were conducted using multiple covariates to (i) assess whether the informational needs of patients were addressed by providers, (ii) ascertain the significant predictors associated with seeking information about prostate cancer from any other source, and (iii) identify what factors influenced a person to actively seek out information and (iv) determine what factors guide which primary information source a survivor would use. Results: The survey mailing yielded a 36.8% response rate. 82.6% reported that a healthcare provider gave them information on prostate cancer, with 86.4% having information provided by their urologist, 45.4% by their primary care physician (PCP), and 29.2% by their oncologist. 37.9% responded that they had looked for such information on their own. 29.4% of the survivors reported that someone else had looked for information for them. The top five sources of information included ‘healthcare provider’ (59.2%), ‘someone with prostate cancer’ (39.4%), ‘brochures or pamphlets’ (37.5%), ‘National Cancer Institute (NCI)/American Cancer Society (ACS)’ (36.1%), and ‘internet’ (31.0%). 51.2% of the survivors would go to their healthcare provider first for information, with 18.8% resorting to the internet. Age and race were significant factors in assessing whether informational needs of survivors were addressed by providers. Age was a significant predictor in both survivors’ seeking information about prostate cancer and whether someone else had ever looked for information on their behalf. Education was the only significant factor predicting which primary source of information a survivor would seek. Conclusions: Over half of prostate cancer survivors identified their health care provider as a primary source of information on prostate cancer, highlighting the importance of the provider in guiding men through the informed decision-making process. More informational resources should be allocated to prostate cancer survivors to ensure that are well-educated about their prognoses. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4441. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4441