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Introduction: Prostate cancer and its treatment, particularly androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), can profoundly impact patients' quality of life. The aim of the prospective observational study reported here was to evaluate the effects of ADT on various aspects of quality of life in men with prostate cancer at a community-based hospital in Southern Italy., Methods: Eligible men initiating hormonal therapy were recruited between December 2021 and December 2023. Data were collected at baseline (T 0 ) and after 3 months (T 1 ) and 6 months (T 2 ) of ADT using standardized questionnaires (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-PR25) and semi-structured interviews., Results: Of the 52 participants, 43 completed all three assessments. The EORTC QLQ-C30 showed a statistically significant worsening in physical functioning (mean score decrease from 83.8 at T 0 to 76.7 at T 2 ; p < 0.001), increased fatigue (from 23.7 to 35.2; p < 0.001), and insomnia (from 23.7 to 31.8; p = 0.048) following ADT initiation. The QLQ-PR25 revealed a significant decline in sexual functioning (from 59 to 26.9; p < 0.001) and sexual activity (from 27.3 to 12; p = 0.001). Interviews revealed a significant rise in the number of patients reporting depressed mood. Interviews also highlighted a worsening in body image perception and sexuality, increased feelings of dependence, and challenges in the social and relational spheres., Conclusions: ADT significantly impacts various aspects of quality of life in men with prostate cancer, particularly physical functioning, fatigue, sexual function, body image, and emotional well-being. These results underscore the critical importance of a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that addresses both the physical and psychosocial aspects of care., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of Interest: Francesca Cappuccio, Carlo Buonerba, Luca Scafuri, Rossella Di Trolio, Pasquale Dolce, Serena Orsola Trabucco, Filomena Erbetta, Elvira Tulimieri, Antonella Sciscio, Concetta Ingenito and Antonio Verde have nothing to disclose. Giuseppe Di Lorenzo is an Editorial Board member of Oncology and Therapy. He was not involved in the selection of peer reviewers for the manuscript nor any of the subsequent editorial decisions. Ethical Approval: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee (“Comitato Etico Campania Centro”; approval/ protocol number 1945). The research was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. All patients provided written informed consent. Permission was received by the EORTC Quality of Life Group to use the questionnaires., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: The words "hope" and "cure" were used in a greater number of articles and sentences in narrative and editorial papers than in primary research. Despite concomitant improvements in cancer outcomes, the related reluctance to use these terms in more scientifically oriented original reports may reflect a bias worthy of future exploration. This study aims to survey a group of physicians and cancer patients regarding their perception and use of the word cure., Materials and Method: An anonymous online and print survey was conducted to explore Italian clinicians' (the sample includes medical oncologists, radiotherapists, and oncological surgeons) and cancer patients' approach to the perception and use of the word "cure" in cancer care. The participants received an email informing them of the study's purpose and were invited to participate in the survey via a linked form. A portion, two-thirds, of questionnaires were also administered to patients in the traditional paper form., Results: The survey was completed by 224 clinicians (54 oncologists, 78 radiotherapists, and 92 cancer surgeons) and 249 patients. The results indicate a favourable attitude for patients in favour of a new language ("cured" vs. "complete remission") of the disease experience., Conclusions: The use of the word cured is substantially accepted and equally shared by doctors and patients. Its use can facilitate the elimination of metaphoric implications and toxic cancer-related connotations registered in all cultures that discourage patients from viewing cancer as a disease with varied outcomes, including cure.

Introduction: Approximately a third of cancer-related deaths are attributable to modifiable factors., Methods: As a pilot experience, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 8,000 citizens residing in four different municipalities of the Salerno province (Sarno, Pagani, San Valentino Torio, and San Marzano sul Sarno) to investigate key lifestyle and dietary habits., Results: A total of 703 of participants (8.7%) reported a history of malignancy. Alarmingly, 30.5% declared to be a current smoker, while 78.8% did not report any kind of physical activity. Encouragingly, 64.5% declared to be abstemious, and 83.0% declared to consume fruit and vegetables every day, while 4.7% and 31.9% declared not to consume meat and fried food, respectively, at any time. Never-consumers of fruit and vegetables had higher odds of having a history of colorectal cancer (OR = 5.01; 95% CI = 1.46-17.15; p = 0.01)., Conclusions: The PREVES study has served to prove the validity of an operational model allowing to integrate hospital and territorial healthcare services, which we expect to be applied at a larger scale. Key information regarding dietary and lifestyle habits of the investigated population was obtained. Larger studies conducted using more accurate approaches to investigate diet, such as 24-h recalls and food frequency questionnaires, are warranted., (© 2023 S. Karger AG, Basel.)