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Abstract: Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most diagnosed non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S. Despite a high 5-year survival rate, many survivors face unique physical and psychosocial challenges, creating a growing need for support. Internet resources, such as cancer survivor narratives, may help alleviate some of this burden, yet the way by which PCa survivors seek and engage with these narratives remains largely unknown. This study aims to assess survivor narrative-seeking behaviors among PCa survivors, along with their attitudes and perceptions regarding impactful narratives. Methods: We administered a survey (REDCap) among an online PCa survivor group, following approval from group leaders. Eligible participants were 18 years or older, proficient in English, and had a past or active PCa diagnosis. A snowball sampling method encouraged participants to forward the survey link to others meeting eligibility criteria. The survey included categorical questions on demographics, cancer-related information, and prior survivor narrative-seeking practices, as well as 5-point Likert scale questions to evaluate perceptions of narrative effectiveness. Results: A total of 29 individuals completed the survey (mean age: 67 years; 86% self-identified as White). Participants were diagnosed with PCa at a mean age of 63, with most having a Gleason score of 7 (52%) or 8+ (21%). Sixty-six percent attempted to contact someone with PCa post-diagnosis, and 79% sought survivor stories online, primarily from commercial (70%), academic (61%), and government sites (48%). Sixty-two percent found a survivor story relevant to their situation, while 69% related to the storyteller and 66% trusted the source. Regarding narrative value, 83% found stories helpful for learning about PCa, and 93% felt they were not alone in their journey. Survivors perceived narratives as less useful for information on clinical trials or maintaining relationships. Fifty-seven percent of respondents strongly agreed that viewing survivor stories would beneficial after their diagnosis, and before starting treatment. Key aspects of effective stories included source credibility, relatability, and openness about challenges. Conclusion: Survivor stories can serve as accessible educational resources for PCa, though gaps remain in enhancing psychosocial well-being. Further research is needed to identify elements that make survivor stories effective, in order to develop tailored resources for those seeking support.
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Name: Corporate
Subject (fast) (authorityURI="http://id.worldcat.org/fast", valueURI="http://id.worldcat.org/fast/00845317")
Subject (fast) (authorityURI="http://id.worldcat.org/fast", valueURI="http://id.worldcat.org/fast/00963588")
Subject (fast) (authorityURI="http://id.worldcat.org/fast", valueURI="http://id.worldcat.org/fast/01079479")
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Note (displayLabel="Scholarly concentration"): Medical Humanities and Ethics
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