A Survey on the Quality of Life of Prostate Cancer Patients in Korean Prostate Cancer Patients Association
10.22465/kjuo.2022.20.4.265
- Author:
Yun-Sok HA
1
;
Kwang Taek KIM
;
Wook NAM
;
Hongzoo PARK
;
Sangjun YOO
;
Chan Ho LEE
;
Ho Seok CHUNG
;
Woo Suk CHOI
;
Jiyoun KIM
;
Jaeeun SHIN
;
Jeong Hyun KIM
;
Cheol KWAK
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Korean Journal of Urological Oncology
2022;20(4):265-272
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Purpose:We aimed to collect opinions on the diagnostic experiences and quality of life profiles for men with prostate cancer in Korea as part of the “Blue Ribbon Campaign” of the Korean Urological Oncology Society.
Materials and Methods:Korean Urological Oncology Society conducted an online survey of 212 prostate cancer patients belonging to the Prostate Cancer Patient Association. A survey on diagnostic experience and quality of life based on Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite 26 Short Form were conducted.
Results:About half of all respondents (50.5%) answered, “I experienced symptoms of urine leakage more than once a week,” during the last four weeks, 85% of the respondents said their sexual function level was “weak,” and 64.2% said, “very weak.” When asked about the level of erectile dysfunction, 58 percent of the respondents answered, “I never had an erection when I wanted one.” Of the respondents, 47.1% of men said that clinical stage at initial presentation was prostate cancer stage 3–4 and 99.1% of the respondents hoped that the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test would be included in the national cancer screening.
Conclusions:Through this survey of patients, we were able to confirm the difficulties of the low quality of life currently experienced by prostate cancer patients and what they want to do with prostate cancer treatment. All patients are eager to include a PSA test in the national cancer screening so that prostate cancer can be detected early and patients can receive proper treatment at an appropriate time.
