Patient and partner experiences of prostate cancer survivorship in Ireland: findings from the co-designed PRO-ACT study (CTRIAL-IE 24–45)

Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among men in Ireland, yet patient and partner experiences regarding sexual wellbeing, treatment preparedness, and survivorship needs remain poorly characterised. Methods The PRO-ACT study employed parallel, co-designed online surveys for patients with PCa and their partners across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Surveys were developed collaboratively with a patient previously treated for PCa and disseminated online between November 2024 and June 2025. Descriptive statistics summarised demographics, treatment preparedness, partner inclusion, sexual wellbeing, mental health, multidisciplinary consultation, and urinary/bowel toxicities. Results A total of 598 patients and 538 partners participated. Preparedness for treatment-related sexual consequences was low: 66.3% of patients felt underprepared, and 53.1% of partners received no explanation. Sexual difficulties were widespread, with 85.4% of patients reporting erectile problems and 84.3% reporting decline in sexual wellbeing; 68.0% of partners also reported deterioration. Mental health impacts were substantial (patients: 58.7%, partners: 51.5%), yet psychological support was rarely offered. Urinary incontinence (63.7%), obstructive symptoms (40.4%), and bowel disturbances (40.1%) were common. Multidisciplinary involvement was inconsistent, with only 48.6% offered cross-specialty consultations. Conclusions This first all-island assessment demonstrates major gaps in information provision, partner inclusion, psychosexual support, and toxicity management. Findings highlight the need for structured, personalised, multidisciplinary survivorship pathways recognising sexual wellbeing and mental health as core components. Results provide actionable insights for Ireland’s next National Cancer Strategy.