Lived reproductive life experiences of men below 55 years with prostate cancer.

Abstract

Introduction: Worldwide cancer is still one of the major killers. In Uganda prostate cancer is ranked as the most rapidly increasing cancer especially in the young men with an incidence rate of 5.2% annually and an incidence: mortality ratio of 71%. This poses significant physical and psychosocial challenges on men’s reproductive health. Furthermore, this cancer does not only affect the man but possess challenges to the family and the health system. The perception that prostate cancer is rare among Ugandan men is incorrect due to underreporting and the absence of cancer registries. Many men and families with prostate cancer continue to face a lot challenges at the backdrop of clear documentation of the ordeal. Despite the extensive research in this area, there are still gaps such as the lived reproductive life experiences of men below 55 years with prostate cancer in Uganda. Therefore, the researcher thought it necessary to conduct a research in this area hence the study. Objective: This study aimed at exploring the lived reproductive life experiences of men below 55 years with prostate cancer so as to understand the challenges they face in meeting life and their reproductive health needs. Methodology: Qualitative phenomenological approach was used. Face to face in –depth interviews were used to collect data from eight care givers and twelve purposively selected men below the age of 55 years receiving care and treatment of prostate cancer from Uganda cancer institute for a period of time ranging from 1 to 8years. Thematic-content analysis of data was done using Tesch’s eight steps then themes and sub- themes were generated. Findings: From the study, men below 55 years living with prostate cancer in Uganda expressed fear of the disease and had challenges of disclosure. There were varied experiences ranging from social withdrawal, pain and communication challenges with their significant others. Such experiences added to the physical illnesses associated with sexual and urinary dysfunction modifying the quality of life as well as straining their marital life. The modified life situation coupled with the cost on medicines make the disease economically unsustainable. They also expressed lack of support groups which in addition to the non-disclosure influenced by gender and cultural beliefs further denied them support from peers. Conclusion: It is therefore concluded that prostate cancer in men below 55 years is associated with physical, social, financial and emotional challenges yet it is not given the attention it deserves. Men with the disease often suffer in silence and if left unattended to prostate cancer will continue causing pain and suffering to the entire family and health system at large. Recommendations: From the study, voluntary screening, awareness creation through health education and increased availability of resources to address men’s health issues so as to aid early diagnosis are highly recommended. As a means of improving the quality of life of men with prostate cancer, support groups to address the non-disclosure should be established. Further research is recommended in areas of: Experiences of health workers in managing prostate cancer patients: Relationship between prostate cancer and disclosure/non-disclosure: Also expanding the study to involve prostate cancer patients receiving care in private hospitals so as to generate several views