The Impact of Prostate Cancer on the Quality of Life of Men Attending Urology Clinic in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital

Introduction: The diagnosis of any malignancy puts physical, financial, and mental stress on patients. Prostate Cancer is the most common malignancy among men and has variable progression and outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of prostate cancer on the quality of life of men over the age of 60 years attending the urology clinic at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH). Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional study involving one hundred and eight (108) men who were voluntarily recruited from the clinic to complete a four-part questionnaire. Results: Most men reported that prostate cancer has had some form of influence on their daily activities (75.9%), with major concerns about altered bowel function (63.0%) and reduction in libido (69.4%). The psychological impact of the disease or treatment was minimal in our study (22.2%). Conclusion: Healthcare practitioners need to be aware of the biopsychosocial effects of the diagnosis, management and complications of prostate cancer, and indeed other chronic/terminal diseases, on the general wellbeing of their patients. These should be actively sorted and managed appropriately to improve the QoL of patients.