Exploring men's experiences of penile cancer surgery to improve rehabilitation

This qualitative study examined men's experiences of penile cancer surgery with the aim of improving the rehabilitation process

Bullen, Kathryn PhD, MEd, BSc
Matthews, Sarah MSc, PGDip, DipOnc, RGN
Edwards, Stephen PhD, BSc
Marke, Victoria BSc

AUTHORS Kathryn Bullen, PhD, MEd, BSc, CPsychol, is head of the psychology department, Aberystwyth University; Sarah Matthews, MSc, PGDip, DipOnc, RGN, is clinical nurse specialist, Morriston Hospital, Abertawe Bro Morgannwyg University NHS Trust; Stephen Edwards, PhD, BSc, is lecturer, department of psychology, Swansea University; Victoria Marke, BSc, is PhD student, Nursing, Health and Social Care Research Centre, Cardiff University.

Nursing Times 105(12):p 20-24, March 31, 2009.

ABSTRACT

Bullen, K. et al (2009) Exploring men's experiences of penile cancer surgery to improve rehabilitation. Nursing Times; 105: 12, 20-24.

Background

Penile cancer is an uncommon but serious cancer; in the UK 50% of patients undergo partial or complete penectomy resulting in far-reaching consequences.

Aim

To examine the impact of penectomy for men and make recommendations for rehabilitation and patient/carer support services.

Method

A small-scale qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was carried out. A purposive sample of men with penile cancer (n=9) at least 18 months post surgery were recruited. a male researcher interviewed them.

Results

Key themes were: the cancer journey; support and relationships; life stage and life review; and masculinity and self-image.

Conclusion

It is not unexpected to find that men should have changed life experiences following penile cancer surgery. However, the far-reaching and insidious nature of post-treatment changes reported here have implications for clinical practice and show that there is a need for further research in this area.