Prostate Cancer Management in the UK and Other European Countries: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Prostate cancer is a growing health problem among men with new cases being diagnosed each day. At the point of diagnosis symptoms might not be obvious but with the progression of the disease it becomes clear. The diagnosis of prostate cancer put men through a lot of psychological trauma. Several studies have shown that there no consensus on the best approach to the treatment and management of prostate cancer. The aim of this study is to elicit the effectiveness of the available treatment options for prostate cancer. A computer based literature search was conducted through Science Direct, CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane library, Embase, Psyc article, Google Scholar and library services of University of Sunderland. Out of the 1350 studies that emerged from the search, a total of 10 research studies which met the inclusion criteria were selected and analyzed systematically. The result of this review highlighted several treatment options such as radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, the use of chemotherapy and watchful waiting. The following available treatment options have their various side effects. Radical approach was found to be the most commonly used form of treatment. However, it does not form a gold standard with side effects such as bowel problem, urinary and sexual dysfunction. Considering the implications of the available treatment options, healthcare professionals have a responsibility in making sure that the patient and their family is aware of these side effects to enable them make informed choice. It is recommended that after the diagnosis of prostate cancer, patients should be actively monitored until there is progression before a radical approach will be adopted and this is only necessary for men with life expectancy of more than ten years.