Biopsychosocial Needs of Patients with Prostate Cancer at Oncology Center

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Prostate cancer is a tumor that
forms in tissues of the prostate gland in the male reproductive system. The failure of providing
appropriate care for prostate cancer patients can compromise the effectiveness of nursing care and
thereby adversely affect the health of the patients. Aim of the study, this study aimed to assess
the biopsychosocial needs of patients with prostate cancer. Design: A descriptive exploratory
study was used to meet the aim of the study. Setting: the study was conducted at the clinics of the
Oncology Center affiliated to Ain Shams University. Subjects: A purposive sample composed of
80 adult patients with prostate cancer. Data collection tools: 1. An interview questionnaire tool:
it was used to assess demographic data of the studied patients. 2. Biopsychosocial needs
assessment questionnaire and 3. Informational needs assessment tool. Results: This study
revealed that, regarding demographic characteristics, 90% of the study subjects were at age of
sixty and more. In relation to physical needs, this study found that, 77.5% of the study subjects
had loss of sexual desire, 90% suffered from pain in different body parts,84.5% can`t do their
activities due to pain, 93.25% need emotional support, 83.75% feel that they cause a physical
burden for families due to medical expenses and 80% had lack of information regarding self care
of prostate cancer. Conclusion: this study concluded that patients with prostate cancer had
physiological, psychological, social and informational needs. Recommendations: This study
recommended the importance of man early screening for prostate cancer at the age of 45 and
provision of supportive care services and psycho oncology clinics to meet prostate cancer
patient's needs and consequently improve the quality of life for those patients.