To tell or not to tell: Patterns of disclosure among men with prostate cancer

This paper draws on the results of a longitudinal, qualitative study of men with prostate cancer (treated with prostatectomy) and their spouses. Inter views were conducted separately and simultaneously with men and their spous es, at three points in time (pre-surgery, 8-10 weeks post-surgery and 11-13 months post-surgery). The primary focus in the paper is on men's responses to questions about their decisions to share information (or not) with othe rs about their diagnosis and ongoing medical situation. Most men with prost ate cancer avoided disclosure about their illness where possible, and place d great importance on sustaining a normal life. Factors related to limiting disclosure included men's low perceived need for support, fear of stigmati zation, the need to minimize the threat of illness to aid coping, practical necessities in the workplace, and the desire to avoid burdening others. Th is study contributes to an understanding of disclosure issues related to pr ostate cancer, and raises issues about how best to be helpful to men, given their tendency to minimize the impact of illness, and the need for support . Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.