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Sandy Srinivas, MD
Sandy Srinivas, MD
Posted: Wednesday, November 29, 2023
In a study published in Annals of Family Medicine, members of the University of Ottawa Department of Family Medicine conducted a scoping review to understand men’s communication preferences when they discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctors and digest complex information to make informed decisions. According to Justin Fong, MD, of the University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and colleagues, their findings “point to strategies to support men’s communication preferences and address preconceptions surrounding prostate cancer screening.”
The researchers analyzed a total of 29 studies and identified four main themes: men preferred their physicians use everyday language; men wanted more information; men wanted their physician to spend adequate time with them to explain prostate cancer; and men desired a trusting and respectful relationship with their physician. Of note, three additional themes emerged that prohibited men from having any discussions at all: men who had already decided to pursue prostate cancer screening; men who were passive about their health; and men who felt their well-being was threatened by discussing prostate cancer screening.
In addition, the investigators stated that future research should focus on the communication preferences of members of underrepresented ethnicities as well as the LGBTQ community. “Results from this review may inform the development of a success measure that scores prostate cancer screening discussions for underrepresented groups, such as Black and transgender populations, given their disparities in prostate cancer care,” the study authors commented.
Disclosure: The study authors reported no conflicts of interest.
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