Addressing psychological needs in prostate cancer care: Insights from patients’ experiences and preferences

Purpose Prostate cancer is frequently associated with considerable psychological distress, yet patients’ psychological needs may remain insufficiently addressed within routine care. While different forms of psychological support are available, less is known about what patients consider important in how psychological care is offered and delivered. This study explored prostate cancer patients’ experiences and preferences, focusing on characteristics of psychological care delivery. Methods This mixed-methods study included semi-structured interviews with 14 prostate cancer patients recruited at a tertiary academic referral centre in Belgium. Participants additionally scored and ranked 12 characteristics of psychological care delivery. Qualitative data were analysed using a thematic framework approach and quantitative data descriptively. Results Participants were predominantly aged ≥60 years; seven had local or locally advanced disease and seven metastatic disease. Psychological wellbeing was rarely or inconsistently addressed during routine urological consultations, which were perceived as time-pressured and predominantly biomedical. Participants prioritised healthcare professional expertise, standardised assessment of psychological wellbeing, acceptable waiting times, the type of healthcare professionals with whom psychological wellbeing could be discussed, and information on available support. They favoured proactive attention to psychological wellbeing but emphasised that engagement with psychological support should remain voluntary and responsive to individual readiness. Preferences regarding timing and format varied. Conclusion Patient-centred psychological care in prostate cancer should combine proactive attention to psychological wellbeing with clear information, accessible support and flexibility according to individual preferences. Psychological wellbeing should be addressed routinely, while engagement with psychological support should remain responsive to patients’ needs and readiness.