RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To explore the perceptions of patients living with different stages of prostate cancer across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, as while extensive quantitative research has been undertaken into outcomes of treatments for prostate cancer, little in the way of qualitative research has been performed looking at subjective perceptions of patients in regard to their perceived deficits in the treatment of this condition and such research is particularly lacking in reference to the APAC region. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Initial 45-min qualitative research interrogatory interviews were conducted with 12 patients from Australia, China and Japan to identify themes that were significant to patients in the management of prostate cancer. Thereafter, 150 patients with different stages of prostate cancer underwent 30-min online (Australia) or computer-assisted/personal interviews categorised on the five key themes identified, in order to more fully clarify the nature of patient perceptions of how their prostate cancer had been treated and the issues they felt could be more fully addressed in order to improve the management of this condition. RESULTS: Interviews indicated common challenges and unmet needs among patients, including: (i) patients' feelings and emotional state change during their disease journey, (ii) patients lack of knowledge about prostate cancer and disease progression prior to diagnosis, (iii) patients felt shared decision-making was uncommon, (iv) patients have misperceptions about surgery, and (v) patients have unmet needs for greater information and support to manage their condition. CONCLUSIONS: These patient perceptions of unmet needs in prostate cancer management stand in contrast to patient awareness of other common diseases such as heart failure and diabetes. Such unmet needs vary across disease stages and between different nationalities. Patients with prostate cancer in the APAC region appear to have gaps in knowledge about their disease and wish for greater information, support and public awareness about prostate cancer.