Prostate cancer treatment and sexual problems: a patient survey

We want to find out more about the sexual side effects of prostate cancer treatments and if/how men are helped to deal with them. We understand this is a sensitive topic but your anonymous answers will help us understand the issues and identify areas for improvement. 

We want to speak with men who are living with, or after, prostate cancer to hear more about their experience. 

The survey is made up of 32 questions and should take about 15 minutes to complete. The questions were drawn up by a group of medical researchers in conjunction with men who have been through prostate cancer treatment. They will cover: 

• The sexual side effects of prostate cancer treatment– What did you experience and how much of a problem was it? 
• The help men receive to deal with the sexual side effects of prostate cancer treatment– Were you warned about side effects and were you offered help to deal with them? 
• How this help could be improved– Can you highlight any areas where things could be done better in the future?  

The survey is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any point. If you do decide to take part, you’ll be asked to give consent before beginning the survey. 

Your responses will be completely anonymous and confidential. We will not collect any identifying information such as your name, email address or electronic IP address. You will not be identified in any reports or publications. However, due to the anonymous nature of the survey, there will be no way to withdraw responses once you have submitted them. 

Only the research team will be able to access the information for the purposes of this research. At the end of the project, all the anonymous data will be archived so other researchers can benefit from its use. 

We feel this work is extremely important and we’re expecting to publish and publicise this work for the benefit of men with prostate cancer and the wider healthcare community.  

You will not receive any payment or experience any direct benefits from participation. But information collected in this study may benefit men with prostate cancer in the future by helping to improve support and services. 

Sexual side effects can be a sensitive subject and you may find this survey intrusive or distressing. It may also raise questions or concerns about your treatment and where you can find information and support to deal with side effects. Details of how to access help will be provided throughout the survey so you can break off and access it at any point. This information will also be displayed at the end of the survey. 

This research has been approved by University College London Research Ethics Committee and Prostate Cancer UK. 

This work is supported by a research grant from Astellas Pharma Ltd, who played no part in the design or execution of this survey.  

This survey may have raised questions or concerns relating to prostate cancer, its treatment or side effects. You can access information and how to get further support on our Help and Information page.