Clare Patient Advocate Calls For Clearer Explanation Of Prostate Cancer Treatment Impacts

A Clare patient advocate is calling for prostate cancer patients to receive a clearer explanation of the impacts that treatment will have on their health. Research from the Irish Cancer Society has found 66% of patients were either underprepared or completely unprepared for the impact of treatment on their sexual function or mental health. Meanwhile, 80% of respondents stated that a lengthier and clearer discussion with a doctor prior to beginning treatment would have helped them understand more of the potential effects. Chair of HSE MidWest’s Patient and Service User Council, John Wall, says the side effects are as difficult to experience as the cancer treatment itself.