Let’s talk about access to care for advanced prostate cancer
Advances in the treatment of cancer have led to changes in outcomes. But too many people around the world still lack access to high-quality care for advanced prostate cancer (aPC).
It’s time we talk about why that is.
Many people with aPC face complex barriers to care
Barriers to high-quality care for aPC include:
- Institutional racism in the health care system
- Mistrust of the health care system
- Poor doctor-patient communication
- Fear of a prostate cancer diagnosis and its social stigma
- Age-related biases
- Low socioeconomic status
- Lack of access to clinical trials
- Rural settings and areas with limited health resources
Barriers to care can result in health inequities
Health inequities among people with aPC
Here are some examples of health inequities among people living with aPC:
- Low-income people are underdiagnosed and face higher mortality from aPC worldwide
- People in rural and disadvantaged areas are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from aPC
- Black people in the United States are 2.5x more likely to die of prostate cancer than White people
- Gay or bisexual people living with prostate cancer in the United States reported a worse quality of life compared with straight people living with prostate cancer
Breaking down barriers to care and reducing health inequities
What is shared decision making?
Shared decision making is a collaboration between healthcare professionals, patients, and their family members and caregivers. It means they all work together to make important healthcare decisions. Everyone has a voice.
Shared decision making considers not only scientific evidence, but also the care team’s knowledge and experience. It also factors in the patient’s values, goals, preferences, and circumstances.
How can patients initiate shared decision making?
One way to begin the process of shared decision making is to have open conversations with your doctor and care team. It’s all about communication and collaboration:
- Speak up by sharing your values, preferences, and therapy goals while your care team is helping you figure out which treatment option is best for you
- Work together with your care team. Having a voice in making complex decisions about your care is important
- Talk about treatment options and the goal of each option. Then agree on a personalized care plan
- Ask the hard questions and be honest with your care team so they can help you manage the impact of your symptoms and side effects on your daily life, sex life, mood, and physical body
- Learn about next steps by asking what to expect at upcoming appointments and what you can do at home to prepare
Shared decision making helps you and your care team manage your journey with aPC in the way that works best for you. Take control of your care. And remember that resources are available to help you get the support you need for living with aPC, such as through the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Here, you can find the latest research and resources to help support you, from defining risk factors to managing a diagnosis.
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