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Nazmije Kelmendi,1,2 Marie Nilsson,2,3 Marina Taloyan,2,3 Kay Sundberg,1 Ann Langius-Eklöf,1 Åsa G Craftman1 1Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; 2Academic Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden; 3Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SwedenCorrespondence: Nazmije Kelmendi, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, Stockholm, 141 52, Sweden, Tel +46 702 677 869, Email nazmije.kelmendi@ki.sePurpose: There is an increase in the number of men undergoing screening for prostate cancer, and advancements in treatments, which implies current knowledge about symptoms and self-management. This study aims to explore experiences of symptom distress, and self-management strategies during the first year after curatively intended treatment for prostate cancer, as identified by patients and health care professionals.Methods: A qualitative design was used, including data triangulation from individual interviews with patients (n =17) and one focus group interview with healthcare professionals (n =5). Thematic analysis was used.Results: The two main themes were identified: living with the consequences of treatment and navigating a new situation. Living with the consequences of treatment illustrated how losing control of bodily functions such as bladder, bowel, and sexual functions interfered with daily life. A stigma around the disease was described, and a life living in an unfamiliar body challenged ideas of masculinity. The first months after treatment ended was a distressing period related to the abruption in frequent contact with healthcare providers, and concerns about the future. The second theme, navigating a new situation, illustrates that self-management strategies varied, due to individual fac

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men and could occur without symptoms. Screening has been debated but remains controversial and, in most countries, organized population-based screening does not exist. The aim of this study was to describe men's experiences of receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis after opportunistic screening. METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis from interviews with 17 men (aged 56-80 years) who had undergone curative treatment for prostate cancer. Data were collected in an urban region of Sweden through interviews conducted face to face or by telephone. An inductive content analysis was used with Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research as a reporting checklist. RESULTS: Two main categories were identified. Screening is a lifesaver enclosed by ethical dilemmas reflects how men considered screening as a lifesaving test. Testing was surrounded by injustice and an eagerness to encourage other men to undergo screening. Facing challenges during diagnosis reflects the men's experiences of being in an unknown field yet expected to engage in decision-making concerning appropriate treatment. Receiving the diagnosis rendered mixed emotions about having a cancer disease, that the treatment could cause lifelong symptom distress and the men described being hesitant to talk about their diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight men's opinions about screening and that the lack of routine screening represents injustice. The men considered this as an ethical question of lifesaving justice, while stakeholders may argue that screening could lead to unnecessary suffering and overtreatment. Men do not always talk openly about their diagnosis, linked to the fact that it concerns intimate areas. It is important to balance the information in relation to shared decision-making regarding treatment. Health care professionals have an ethical responsibility to support and coach the patient in their decision. P