Considering racial and ethnic preferences in communication and interactions among the patient, family member, and physician following diagnosis of localized prostate cancer: study of a US population

Sun Hee Rim¹, Ingrid J Hall¹, Megan E Fairweather², Catherine R Fedorenko², Donatus U Ekwueme¹, Judith Lee Smith¹, Ian M Thompson³, Thomas E Keane⁴, David F Penson⁵, Carol M Moinpour², Steven B Zeliadt^2,6, Scott D Ramsey^2
1Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; ²Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; ³Department of Urology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX, USA; ⁴Urology Services, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; ⁵Vanderbilt Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; ⁶Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA

Abstract: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American men. The multiple treatment options for localized prostate cancer and potential side effects can complicate the decision-making process. We describe the level of engagement and communication among the patient, family member, and physician (the decision-making “triad”) in the decision process prior to treatment. Using the Family and Cancer Therapy Selection (FACTS) study baseline survey data, we note racial/ethnic variations in communication among the triad. Sensitivity to and awareness of decision-making styles of both the patient and their family member (or caregiver) may enable clinicians to positively influence communication exchanges about important clinical decisions.

Keywords: decision-making, treatment-related decisions, ethnicity