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Background: People living with cancer that is treatable but not curable have complex needs, often managing health at home, supported by those close to them. Challenges are likely to be exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk-reducing measures introduced in response. The impact of COVID-19 on those living with incurable, life-threatening conditions is little understood. Aim: To investigate the experiences and identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for people living with treatable not curable cancer and their informal carers. Design: Qualitative semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with 21 patients living with cancer that is treatable but not curable and 14 carers. Setting/ participants: Participants were part of a larger longitudinal qualitative study (ENABLE) on supported self-management for people living with cancer that is treatable but not curable. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic magnified uncertainty and anxiety and led to loss of opportunities to do things important to patients in the limited time they have left to live. Lack of face-to-face contact with loved ones had a significant impact on patients' and carers' emotional wellbeing. Carers experienced increased responsibilities but less access to formal and informal support and respite. While changes to treatment led to some concern about longer-term impact on health, most patients felt well-supported by healthcare teams. Conclusion: The study provides rich insights into the nature of challenges, uncertainty and lost opportunities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic for patients and carers living with cancer that is treatable but not curable, which has wider resonance for people living with other life-limiting conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are an increasing number of qualitative studies which focus on the dyad (couples, families, caregivers–patients, health care professionals–patients). However, there is limited literature regarding qualitative methodology for dyadic analysis when members of the couple have been interviewed separately. The aim of this article is to share the knowledge we gained from undertaking a novel approach to dyadic analysis. We used an adapted version of the Framework method on data gathered in a study exploring the impact of prostate cancer on younger men and their partners. In this article, we examine and reflect on the challenges of this type of analysis and describe how we analyzed the interview data from a dyadic point of view, to share what we learned in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Attention is turning to the needs of people living with treatable but incurable cancer, a group with complex needs, living with uncertainty over time. More research is needed to understand how this group self‐manage the impact of cancer to strengthen the evidence base for interventions. This study aims to understand the value and outcomes of self‐management support for people living with treatable but incurable cancer. Methods: Qualitative longitudinal methods will examine how support needs change over time in relation to self‐management and unpredictable disease trajectories. Thirty patients and 30 carers will be recruited from two hospitals, each participating in three interviews over 1 year. Patients will be purposively sampled according to age, gender, cancer type and anticipated survival. Carers will be recruited via nomination by patients but interviewed separately. One‐off interviews will be conducted with 20 healthcare professionals, providing data from multiple perspectives. Based on interview findings, a modified Delphi process will map areas of consensus and disparity regarding conceptualisations and outcomes of self‐management support. Conclusion: The key output will be practice recommendations in relation to self‐management support, producing evidence to inform service innovation for those living with treatable but incurable cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The number of younger men being diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa; aged ≤65) is increasing. It is recognised that PCa and treatment side effects can have a significant impact on quality of life. This study explores the challenges faced by younger couples affected by PCa with dependent children (under 18 years) or young adults (18-29 years) in their families.Methods: Twenty-three men with PCa and their partners were interviewed (separately) by telephone. Participants were recruited from respondents to the life after prostate cancer diagnosis (LAPCD) national survey. Men were 3 to 5 years postdiagnosis, and following a range of treatment pathways. Data were analysed using the Framework Approach.Results: Younger couples affected by PCa felt challenged by issues relating to their parental role and the dynamics within the family. Five main themes emerged: difficult conversations about PCa diagnosis; parental perceptions of the impact of diagnosis on children; parental responses to the impact of PCa on the family; shielding, coping, and normalising strategies; and levels of support.Conclusions: A diagnosis of PCa can cause significant disruption to the family unit and the quality of life of its members. Support programmes offering guidance to children/young adults affected by PCa in their family, and addressing the concerns of parents may help families to better adapt. Encouraging clinical professionals to initiate conversations with younger couples about their children may be a way forward in directing appropriate support. Further research is needed to elucidate appropriate, effective supportive interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To explore the experiences of men with prostate cancer identified as having psychological distress and to identify factors influencing distress. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 28 men with prostate cancer diagnosed 18-42 months earlier, identified as having psychological distress on survey measures. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis using a framework approach was used. FINDINGS: Men with psychological distress had strong perceptions of loss toward self (identity, sexuality/masculinity, self-confidence), function (physical activities), connection (relational, social, community), and control (future, emotional). Psychological vulnerability appeared heightened in particular groups of men. Maladaptive strategies of emotional concealment, help-seeking avoidance, and withdrawal appeared to contribute to distress. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Distress in men with prostate cancer is multifaceted. Men with distress should be identified and offered support. Nurse- or peer-led interventions are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]