To tell or not to tell: patterns of disclosure among men with prostate cancer.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	To tell or not to tell: patterns of disclosure among men with prostate cancer.
Authors:	Gray RE (AUTHOR), Fitch M (AUTHOR), Phillips C (AUTHOR), Labrecque M (AUTHOR), Fergus K (AUTHOR), Gray, R E (AUTHOR), Fitch, M (AUTHOR), Phillips, C (AUTHOR), Labrecque, M (AUTHOR), Fergus, K (AUTHOR)
Source:	Psycho-Oncology. Jul/Aug2000, Vol. 9 Issue 4, p273-282. 10p.
Abstract:	This paper draws on the results of a longitudinal, qualitative study of men with prostate cancer (treated with prostatectomy) and their spouses. Interviews were conducted separately and simultaneously with men and their spouses, at three points in time (pre-surgery, 8-10 weeks post-surgery and 11-13 months post-surgery). The primary focus in the paper is on men's responses to questions about their decisions to share information (or not) with others about their diagnosis and ongoing medical situation. Most men with prostate cancer avoided disclosure about their illness where possible, and placed great importance on sustaining a normal life. Factors related to limiting disclosure included men's low perceived need for support, fear of stigmatization, the need to minimize the threat of illness to aid coping, practical necessities in the workplace, and the desire to avoid burdening others. This study contributes to an understanding of disclosure issues related to prostate cancer, and raises issues about how best to be helpful to men, given their tendency to minimize the impact of illness, and the need for support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Description
Abstract:	This paper draws on the results of a longitudinal, qualitative study of men with prostate cancer (treated with prostatectomy) and their spouses. Interviews were conducted separately and simultaneously with men and their spouses, at three points in time (pre-surgery, 8-10 weeks post-surgery and 11-13 months post-surgery). The primary focus in the paper is on men's responses to questions about their decisions to share information (or not) with others about their diagnosis and ongoing medical situation. Most men with prostate cancer avoided disclosure about their illness where possible, and placed great importance on sustaining a normal life. Factors related to limiting disclosure included men's low perceived need for support, fear of stigmatization, the need to minimize the threat of illness to aid coping, practical necessities in the workplace, and the desire to avoid burdening others. This study contributes to an understanding of disclosure issues related to prostate cancer, and raises issues about how best to be helpful to men, given their tendency to minimize the impact of illness, and the need for support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	10579249
DOI:	10.1002/1099-1611(200007/08)9:4<273::aid-pon463>3.0.co;2-f