Cancer-related self-perception in men affected by prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy

Purpose To identify factors associated with cancer-related self-perception after being affected by prostate cancer (PCa) and radical prostatectomy. Subjects and methods Men affected by PCa and radical prostatectomy were asked to choose one of 5 cancer-related identities (“patient,” “victim,” “someone who has had cancer,” “cancer survivor,” and “cancer conqueror”). Associations with clinical data, functional outcome (continence and sexual activity), and psychological factors were assessed. Results One thousand seven hundred seventy-two men were included. Most men perceived themselves as “someone who has had cancer” (46.8%) which was associated with no cancer recurrence (OR: 0.54 [0.36–0.81]) and low cancer-related distress (OR: 0.69 [0.53–0.89]) or “patient” (35.4%) which was associated with ongoing therapy (OR: 2.59 [1.59–4.22]) and biochemical disease recurrence (OR: 1.91 [1.28–2.85]). Self-perception, as “cancer survivor” (7.8%), “cancer conqueror” (8.2%), or “victim” (1.8%), was less common. “Cancer survivor” was associated with high perceived disease severity (OR: 2.07 [1.33–3.24]) and incontinence (1.99 [1.27–3.12]). “Cancer survivor” and “cancer conqueror” were related to high benefit finding (OR: 2.05 [1.30–3.23], OR: 1.89 [1.27–2.81], respectively); only “cancer conqueror” was associated with higher quality of life (OR: 1.38 [1.21–1.58]). Conclusions Self-perception in men affected by PCa can vary widely and is associated with distinct characteristics that reflect the experienced severity of the disease, therapy side effects, and psychological well-being. Implications for Cancer Survivors The assessment of cancer-related self-perception can give important insights when evaluating men affected by PCa who need assistance in coping with their disease.