Evaluation of long-term living conditions in patients treated for localised prostate cancer.

Purpose: To evaluate the evolution of living conditions (LC) in long-term survivors of localised prostate cancer 10 years after treatment compared with those of a same-age control group from the general population.

Methods: Two hundred and eighty-seven patients diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001 were selected in 11 French cancer registries. They were matched with controls randomly selected for age and residency. Both patients and controls completed a self-administered LC questionnaire concerning their familial, social and professional life, and general and specific quality of life (QoL) and anxiety and depression questionnaires.

Results: Compared with controls, patients reported more sexual modifications (p < .0001), but without any difference in marital status. Patients' circle of friends was more stable than that of the controls (91% vs. 63%; p < .0001) and patients reported fewer friendship modifications than controls (p < .0006). Their professional and physical activities were also preserved. They reported more anxiolytic intake (p = .002) but did not consult their general practitioner more often. Type of specialist consulted differed in the two groups.

Conclusion: Patients treated for localised prostate cancer had the same living conditions as men of the same age. Their social life was satisfying on the whole, albeit they reported more sexual difficulties than their counterparts.