Voices of Black men: reflecting on prostate cancer survivorship care plans

Abstract

Purpose: This study addresses the critical issue of survivorship care for Black prostate cancer survivors. The aim was to explore their awareness of survivorship care plans to improve prostate cancer care and survivorship within this high-risk group.

Methods: Utilizing a thematic analysis approach, we conducted in-depth interviews focused on analyzing post-treatment experiences of Black prostate cancer survivors by applying interpretive explanations to data collected from participants.

Results: Participants reported a significant gap in survivorship care plan communication post-treatment, as these plans were seldom discussed. Survivors highlighted the adoption of post-treatment strategies and self-education as means to enhance their comprehension of the survivorship process. Black survivors demonstrated an intrinsic motivation, after feeling "discarded," to find suitable resources to enhance their survivorship care for a better quality of life.

Conclusion: The prioritization of post-treatment care for Black prostate cancer survivors is important. By offering comprehensive post-treatment education, improving symptom transparency, and establishing safe spaces for open discussion, the quality of life of Black survivors may be substantially improved.

Implications for cancer survivors: There is a pressing need for dynamic post-treatment care coordination tailored to Black prostate cancer survivors. A lack of crucial post-treatment education for this population that experiences disproportionate burden of prostate cancer may exacerbate cancer health disparities. Addressing this care coordination gap may improve support systems, survivor well-being, and better cancer outcomes.

Keywords: Black men; Cancer survivorship; Care coordination; Prostate cancer; Survivorship care plan.