Psychosocial experience and coping strategies of individuals living with cervical and prostate cancer in the cape coast teaching hospital

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with over half a million cases annually worldwide. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men globally. In Ghana, prostate and cervical cancer account for 16.4% and 14.8% of all male and female cancers respectively. This study explored the social and psychological experiences, and the coping styles, of patients with cervical and prostate cancer at Cape Coast Hospital (CCTH) according to a phenomenological study design. The study population comprised individuals diagnosed with cervical and prostate cancers who are being treated in the study setting. Purposive sampling recruited 12 participants (6 males and 8 females) aged 38-76 years. Information were collected through individual interviews during hospital visits and coded thematically. A number of the psychosocial effects of prostate and cervical cancers for the participants, including inability to engage in sexual intercourse, insomnia, stress, depression, and anxiety due to fear of dying and constant pain, were unveiled in the study. Additionally, it identified coping mechanisms such as playing indoor games with family and walking around their neighbourhoods in the evening. Participants also demonstrated an understanding of the causes and risk factors of these cancers. In conclusion, prostate and cervical cancer patients experience significant psychosocial effects and adopt strategies to cope with these challenges. It is recommended to organize counselling sessions for these individuals to reduce stress and anxiety and Government of Ghana should include cervical and prostate cancer treatment costs in the National Health Insurance Scheme to enable low income earners benefit from these cancers while promoting healthy lifestyles.