The experience and acceptability of lifestyle interventions for men with localised prostate cancer are not well understood, yet lifestyle interventions are increasingly promoted for cancer survivors. We explored the opinions, experiences and perceived acceptability of taking part in nutritional and physical activity interventions amongst men with prostate cancer and their partners; with the ultimate plan to use such information to inform the development of nutritional and physical activity interventions for men with prostate cancer.
Semi-structured interviews with 16 men, and seven partners, undergoing curative surgery or radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Interviews explored experiences of lifestyle interventions, acceptable changes participants would make and perceived barriers and facilitators to change. Interviews were thematically analysed using the framework approach.
Men were frequently open to lifestyle modification and family support was considered vital to facilitate change. Health beneficial, clinician endorsed, understandable, enjoyable interventions were perceived as attractive. Barriers included 'modern' digital technology, poor weather, competing commitments or physical limitations, most notably incontinence following radical prostatectomy. Men were keen to participate in research, with few negative aspects identified.
Men are willing to change behaviour but this needs to be supported by clinicians and health professionals facilitating lifestyle change. An 'intention-behaviour gap', when an intended behaviour does not materialise, may exist. Digital technology for data collection and lifestyle measurement may not be suitable for all, and post-surgery urinary incontinence is a barrier to physical activity. These novel findings should be incorporated into lifestyle intervention development, and implemented clinically.
BMC urology. 2017 Oct 10*** epublish ***
Lucy E Hackshaw-McGeagh, Eileen Sutton, Raj Persad, Jonathan Aning, Amit Bahl, Anthony Koupparis, Chris Millett, Richard M Martin, J Athene Lane
University of Bristol, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre - Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle Theme, Level 3, University Hospitals Bristol Education Centre, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8AE, England, UK. ., University of Bristol, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, England, UK., Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital Bristol, Southmead Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 5NB, England, UK., Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE7 7DN, England, UK., Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre, Horfield Road, Bristol, BS2 8ED, England, UK., Member of the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre - Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle Theme Prostate Cancer Patient and Public Involvement Group, Bristol, England, UK., University of Bristol, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre - Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle Theme, Level 3, University Hospitals Bristol Education Centre, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8AE, England, UK.