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Late-Stage Prostate Cancer Patients View Quality of Life As Important Factor in Treatment Decisions; Men Say the Impact on Quality of Life Outweighs Chemotherapy Benefit

Posted on: Thursday, 8 September 2005, 12:00 CDT

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Sept. 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- A new survey released today showed only half (50 percent) of men who suffer from late-stage prostate cancer would consider chemotherapy as a treatment option, the only available treatment to delay progression of prostate cancer for these patients. While patients understand that chemotherapy is an effective option and recognize its value in prolonging survival, nearly two-thirds of patients (65 percent) believe the impact on quality of life outweighs its benefit.

The findings, released by the prostate cancer advocate group Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network, showed nearly two-thirds of patients, caregivers and physicians surveyed were dissatisfied with the current treatment options for advanced prostate cancer. Currently, there are few options for men with late-stage prostate cancer, either chemotherapy or supportive care. In the last stages of the disease, the majority of men will experience significant bone pain, the most common site where the cancer spreads. Of the late-stage patients surveyed bone pain is the number one concern. Two-thirds (67 percent) of these patients surveyed feared they will feel pain as their prostate cancer progresses and half (47 percent) of those who experienced bone pain report that they feel bone pain all of the time or everyday.

"Men with late-stage disease need more options. These men and their families shouldn't have to compromise their quality of lives," said Thomas Kirk, president and CEO of Us TOO International. "We need better treatments that fight this disease, address the most painful symptoms, and lessen the side effects of treatment."

The more than 500 prostate cancer patients, caregivers and physicians surveyed by Us TOO is just one of several new reports highlighting the quality of life choices men face when fighting prostate cancer. In the latest patient edition of the "Report to the Nation on Prostate Cancer: A Guide for Men and Their Families," the Prostate Cancer Foundation offers a comprehensive look at the many challenges prostate cancer patients will encounter when facing this devastating disease. An entire chapter of the publication is dedicated to explaining why and how different chemotherapy drugs are used, and the principles of dealing with side effects. The Report is being released to patients and caregivers today and is being made available at http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org .

"During the next 10 years, the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer is expected to increase by 40 percent from approximately 230,000 to more than 300,000 a year. Furthermore, it's expected that during the next 10 years, the number of prostate cancer deaths could rise from 30,000 to 50,000 per year," said Jim Kiefert, chairman of the Us TOO International Board of Directors. "As more men continue to be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, the need for new treatment options will be critical."

About Prostate Cancer

One in six American men will develop prostate cancer in the course of his lifetime, making it the most commonly diagnosed non- skin cancer in the United States. Every year more than 230,000 men are diagnosed with the disease, and in 2005 more than 30,000 will die from prostate cancer. Unfortunately, early prostate cancer has few recognizable symptoms, however if detected early by a physician, prostate cancer is often treatable.

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About Us TOO:

Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network is a nonprofit, grassroots organization started in 1990 by prostate cancer survivors for prostate cancer patients, survivors, and their spouses/partners and families. Us TOO, through its more than 325 chapters throughout the United States and internationally, helps men and their families learn more about prostate cancer so they can make better decisions on treatment options and cope with the emotional and quality of life issues following treatment. Us TOO and its chapters reach more than 50,000 men per month through discussion groups, lectures, publications and presentations by medical professionals. Visit http://www.ustoo.org or call 800-808-7866 for more information.

http://www.usnewswire.com

Source: U.S. Newswire

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