Considering racial and ethnic preferences in communication and interactions among the patient, family member, and physician following diagnosis of localized prostate cancer: study of a US population

Sun Hee Rim1, Ingrid J Hall1, Megan E Fairweather2, Catherine R Fedorenko2, Donatus U Ekwueme1, Judith Lee Smith1, Ian M Thompson3, Thomas E Keane4, David F Penson5, Carol M Moinpour2, Steven B Zeliadt2,6, Scott D Ramsey21Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; 2Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; 3Department of Urology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX, USA; 4Urology Services, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; 5Vanderbilt Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; 6Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USAAbstract: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American men. The multiple treatment options for localized prostate cancer and potential side effects can complicate the decision-making process. We describe the level of engagement and communication among the patient, family member, and physician (the decision-making “triad”) in the decision process prior to treatment. Using the Family and Cancer Therapy Selection (FACTS) study baseline survey data, we note racial/ethnic variations in communication among the triad. Sensitivity to and awareness of decision-making styles of both the patient and their family member (or caregiver) may enable clinicians to positively influence communication exchanges about important clinical decisions.Keywords: decision-making, treatment-related decisions, ethnicity