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A British
study has found that men diagnosed with prostate cancer tend
to get little encouragement from either their doctor or from
family members for the so-called "watchful waiting"
approach.
In a study
of men diagnosed in England, Wales and Scotland, the researchers
said "few of the men who might have chosen watchful-waiting
remembered this being presented as a serious option."
"The
few who chose watchful waiting had found doctors who supported
their decision, had assessed the evidence from Internet sites,
and were concerned about the side-effects and uncertain outcome
of treatment," the researchers reported in the journal
BJU International.
They added
that men who chose watchful waiting, as well as those who
opted for surgery or radiation therapy, "described considerable
pressure from family members, doctors or support groups, to
seek active treatment."
"This
study helps to explain why some men will not contemplate watchful
waiting, and why others may find it difficult to pursue that
option," the researchers concluded.
Source:
Prostate Cancer
Week of July 28, 2002
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