OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) group intervention to facilitate improved psycho-sexual adjustment to treatment side effects in prostate cancer survivors post-radical prostatectomy.
METHODS: A randomised, wait-list controlled trial was conducted with a total of 60 men who participated in a manualised 8-week cognitive-behavioural group intervention 6 months to 5 years post-radical prostatectomy for localised prostate cancer. Participants completed standardised questionnaires pre-intervention and post-intervention, which assessed mood state, stress, general and prostate cancer anxiety, quality of life and areas of sexual functioning.
RESULTS: Paired samples t-tests identified a significant improvement in sexual confidence, masculine self-esteem, sexual drive/relationship and a significant decline in sexual behaviour from pre-intervention to post-intervention. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that after controlling for covariates, participation in the group intervention significantly improved sexual confidence, sexual intimacy, masculine self-esteem and satisfaction with orgasm.
CONCLUSIONS: This group-based CBT intervention for men post-radical prostatectomy for localised prostate cancer shows promising results in terms of improving quality of life.
Written by:
Siddons HM, Wootten AC, Costello AJ. Are you the author?
Department of Urology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia.
Reference: Psychooncology. 2013 Apr 10. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1002/pon.3273
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23576518
UroToday.com Prostate Cancer Section
