University of North Carolina researchers have found that decision-making patterns appear to vary among patients with localized prostate cancer. Patient-only decision making (vs physician-only) was more likely among younger men and less likely for men with high cancer aggressiveness. The following were reported by study participants:
45% reported shared decision making.
41% reported patient-only decision making.
13% reported physician-only decision making.
Patient-only and shared decision making were associated with greater concerns about the physical impacts of treatment and having enough time to make a decision.
Abstract: Cancer, July 11, 2012 (online).
