Experiences of the adverse effects caused by prostate cancer treatment

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in Sweden. The three primary treatment types for prostate cancer are prostatectomy, radiotherapy and different types of endocrine therapy. With all treatments mentioned above comes adverse effects that may have big effects on the person treated. Aim: The aim of this study was to highlight men´s experiences of the adverse effects that comes with the treatment for prostate cancer. Method: The research method employed was a literature study based on eleven qualitative articles. The method of analysis was done according to Friberg five-step analysis of qualitative articles and through the analysis, six themes emerged. Results: The themes were A feeling of emotional imbalance, Not prepared enough, The experience of loosing control, Feeling of diminished masculinity, The experience of a feminized body and An altered identity. Conclusion: The result showed that men experience adverse effects of the prostate cancer treatment as difficult in many ways. The changes to the body and mental well-being tend to be difficult to deal with, and the men need relevant information prior to treatment to give them time to adjust to their new life