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Quality of Life After Prostate Cancer

Quality of Life After Prostate Cancer. Sylvie Aubin, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Oncology McGill University. Cycle 1: At the time of diagnosis. Cycle 4 (if applicable): The medical event/incident. Cycle 2: During the primary treatment(s). Cycle 3: After the

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Quality of Life After Prostate Cancer

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  1. Quality of Life After Prostate Cancer Sylvie Aubin, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Oncology McGill University

  2. Cycle 1: At the time of diagnosis Cycle 4 (if applicable): The medical event/incident Cycle 2: During the primary treatment(s) Cycle 3: After the primary treatment(s) The Cycles of Reactions after Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

  3. Cycle 1: at the Time of Diagnosis Initial thoughts... “Prostate Cancer! What does that mean?” “What can I do, which treatment and what about my coverage?” “What lies ahead for me and my significant others?” Dominant themes/issues: • Gathering information about prostate cancer • Getting familiar with the terminology (ex: PSA, Gleason score) • Diagnostic tests, medical consults • Considering treatment options and making a final decision

  4. Cycle 2: During the Primary Treatment(s) Initial thoughts... “I hope my treatment will by successful” “Should I be having these side effects and for how long?” “What can I do about the side effects?” Dominant themes/issues: • Dealing with side effects and effect on quality of life • Keeping up to date about other treatment options • Making or suspending major decisions

  5. Prostate Cancer Treatment Changes • Physical changes • Energy level, stamina and ability to carry out daily activities • Weight, hot flashes • Urinary control • Relationship changes • Patient/caregiver shift in relationship with your spouse/partner • Frequency and quality of time spent with significant others • Sexual relationship changes • Sexual desire, erectile and orgasm response • Penile shape/lenght • Frequency and quality of sexual activities • Other changes • Attention, concentration, memory • Attitude, motivation, self-esteem/image • Agitation/apathy, irritability/short fused, depression, anxiety

  6. Cycle 3: After the Primary Treatment(s) Initial thoughts... “Can I go back a normal life or to my life before prostate cancer diagnosis?” “How can I maintain my quality of life with these side effects or after a prostate cancer diagnosis?” “Am I cured, in remission and what lies ahead?” Dominant themes/issues: • Facing medical follow-up visits, the unknown and fear of recurrence • Redefining your life • Looking at quality of life and the ways to improve/maintain it

  7. Relationship Between Quality of Life and Prostate Cancer Quality of life components/strategies Response to treatment(s) Physical Health Treatment side effects / changes (ex: severity / dealing with) Quality of life status Survival / Longevity Mental Health Spirituality Relationship Status Sexual/Intimate Relationship Status Following / trying treatment recommendations Work Accomplishments/ Status Financial Status

  8. Cycle 4: The Medical Event/incident (If Applicable) Initial thoughts... “My PSA is rising, when can I see my doctor?” “Which treatment(s) and what about the side effects?” “What about future treatment options and effectiveness?” • Dominant themes/issues: • Revisiting the cycle of reactions following diagnosis • Back to diagnostic tests, medical consults and to making a final treatment decision • Re-defining quality of life objectives

  9. Conclusion: Key Questions about your Quality of Life “What aspects of my quality of life should I improve/maintain? “What strategies can I use to improve/maintain my quality of life?”

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