An evaluation of the Man to Man self-help group in Colorado and Utah

Abstract

Purpose: Two surveys were conducted to evaluate the Man to Man program, a prostate cancer self-help group of the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Description of study: The study involved two surveys in Colorado and Utah in 2001, one of program participants, the other of area urologists, respectively. A focus group also was conducted of African American men with prostate cancer in Denver, Colo.

Results: In total, 112 participants in the Man to Man program and 66 urologists participated in the study. Results of the participant survey indicated that men and their families found out about the group through other prostate cancer survivors, doctors, or the ACS. Monthly attendance at the groups ranged from 2 to 50 participants. Participants valued the prostate cancer treatment information, physician presentations, and social aspects that were offered. The results of the urologist survey indicated that 67% were aware of the Man to Man program, but most were not aware of the services it offered. Urologists learned of the group through Man to Man participants, other physicians, and the ACS. Focus group results suggested that a personal preference for access to other sources of support and information was a primary reason for nonattendance at Man to Man meetings.

Clinical implications: Attendance at Man to Man meetings is likely to be enhanced by focusing on basic prostate cancer information topics. Future evaluations of Man to Man meeting participation should focus on the role of women in the program. Most urologists were not familiar with the services offered by Man to Man. The ACS and the organizers of local Man to Man programs should target urologists in future outreach efforts.