| Prostate cancer is the most common non skin cancer, and the second leading cause of death in men. In sharp contrast to breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in females, little research has been done as to the psychosocial consequences of this disease. This study examined the variables of knowledge base, depression, anxiety, locus of control, and perceived involvement in health care in 59 men undergoing prostate biopsy to rule out cancer. Subjects were divided into two groups: 27 whom were ultimately proven to have cancer and 32 who were not. Study instruments were administered prior to and one month after undergoing a prostate biopsy. The study group was remarkably homogeneous with a high level of education. Baseline knowledge of prostate function and prostate cancer significantly improved following biopsy. Depression, along with State and Trait Anxiety levels were low and not significantly increased following biopsy or the diagnosis of cancer. Knowledge had a significant inverse correlation with both anxiety and depression, suggesting that education might decrease psychological distress. Locus of control and perceived involvement in care were not significantly different from baseline following biopsy. The ultimate diagnosis of malignancy or benignity did not influence the levels of anxiety, depression, knowledge, or level of involvement in health care. This study provides an important foundation for further research with a group that has been largely ignored. |
