Anxiety and distress during active surveillance for early prostate cancer

Abstract

Patients on active surveillance for low risk prostate cancer may experience feelings of anxiety and distress while living with 'untreated' cancer. These feelings were quantified, compared to reference scores, and associated with various psychological, medical, demographic, and decision-related factors. Extended questionnaires consisting of mostly validated measures were sent to 150 patients. Mainly favorable levels of anxiety and distress were seen. A neurotic personality score and poor physical health were associated with unfavorable scores.