PREFERENCES OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES FOR PROSTATE-CANCER SCREENING

The benefits of screening for prostate cancer are uncertain. Outcomes of treatment are particularly important to couples because they challe nge the most intimate aspects of a couple's relationship. This study u sed clinical decision analysis to explore the preferences of 10 couple s for prostate cancer screening. The decision-analytic model found tha t 7 of 10 husbands preferred the no screening strategy, while 9 of 10 wives preferred screening for their husbands. Wives associated little burden with complications of treatment, preferring to maximize their h usbands' quantity of life regardless of complications. The issue of wh o is the decision maker is paramount in the case of prostate cancer sc reening. Optimal screening strategies may differ for husbands and wive s. Guidelines for prostate cancer screening and management should cons ider assessing preferences on an individual couple basis.