|
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
|
