Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is common in men and in many studies quality of life, mental health problems and sexual dysfunction were examined in this population. However, there are relatively few studies examining the impact of the disease according to the stages. In this study we aimed to compare the levels of anxiety, depression, quality of life and sexual dysfunction of the prostate cancer patients according to their stages.

Method: 80 patients with prostate cancer who applied to urology outpatient clinic were enrolled to the study. Patients were divided into three groups according to their stages; localized/organ-confined, local spread and metastatic spread. Short Form 36 (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) were performed.

Results: According to the stage of prostate cancer, physical functioning subscale of quality of life was significantly lower in patients with metastatic prostate cancer than in patients with organ-confined prostate cancer (F= 4.53, p= 0.014). There were no associations between anxiety and depression scores and the stage of prostate cancer. Sexual desire was better in organ-confined prostate cancer patients compared to metastatic prostate cancer patients (F= 5.32, p= 0.007).

Conclusion: The patients with prostate cancer might have different levels of physical functioning and sexual aversion problems at different stages of the disease. The clinicians should consider these two issues during follow-up of these patients.

Key words: prostate cancer, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, quality of life