No fatigue related to prostate cancer examination : A qualitative study

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men worldwide with a life time risk of being diagnosed around 15%. Far more men have to undergo examinations (biopsy) for the suspicion of cancer. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment, anxiety and depression is considered to be a promoting source. Anxiety and uncertainty according to eventual cancer diagnosis may cause fatigue. The aim of present study was to identify and describe what fatigue means to the men undergoing an examination for the suspicion of prostate cancer. Eleven men undergoing examination for suspect prostate cancer were interviewed. Verbal transcripts were analyzed using interpretation by Gadamer’s hermeneutical approach. The findings showed that around the time of prostate cancer examination and waiting for the result, the men in this study reported that they did not perceive fatigue. Hence, there were some men expressing fatigue related to worries. The major theme was Everyday fatigue, similar to frailty. The men described that everyday fatigue is a part of normal life. Further two clusters, Personality and Anxiety, were identified contributing to fatigue. The men who experienced fatigue in this study seemed to be influenced of harassment caused among other things by mortal fear related to other diseases presently and in the future.