Keywords

African American men, family support, prostate cancer, survivorship

 

Authors

  1. Jones, Randy A. PhD, RN
  2. Taylor, Ann Gill EdD, RN, FAAN
  3. Bourguignon, Cheryl PhD, RN
  4. Steeves, Richard PhD, FNP, FAAN
  5. Fraser, Gertrude PhD
  6. Lippert, Marguerite MD
  7. Theodorescu, Dan MD, PhD
  8. Mathews, Holly PhD
  9. Kilbridge, Kerry Laing MD, MSc

Abstract

Prostate cancer affects African Americans at a higher rate than any other ethnic group in the United States. Prostate cancer does not only affect the man with the disease but also affects those individuals who are closest to him, such as his family and friends. Open communication is valuable in coping with stressors that are affiliated with chronic illnesses. This article focuses on family and friend social support of men with prostate cancer. Data analysis revealed that support from family members and friends plays an important role in how men cope with their treatment and recovery from prostate cancer.