The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe and illuminate the experience of living with prostate cancer. Because nursing practice is enmeshed in people's life experiences; this study provided an opportunity for men to describe their experience of living with the disease. The aim of this study was to explore the experience of living with prostate cancer to gain knowledge and understanding of this phenomenon.

Design/ Method

Participants were recruited by professional networking and solicitation of local prostate cancer support groups in a metropolitan city of the United States. Criteria for inclusion in the study were: a diagnosis of prostate cancer with in the last five years; 21 years of age or older; the ability to converse in English; and willingness to participate in an individual audio-taped interview. Ten men ranging in age from 46 to73 participated in the study. The participants were asked to respond to the statement “Tell me about your experience of living with prostate cancer.” The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using van Manen's (1990) phenomenological methodology and Lincoln and Guba (1985) constant comparative method.

Findings/Implications

The findings of the study included four major themes and eight subthemes. They were (1) Accepting the Diagnosis of Cancer with subthemes of Denial and Fear, (2) Taking Control with subthemes of Gaining Information and Making Decisions, (3) Life Changing Event with subthemes of Intimate Relationship and Anticipatory Consequences, (4) Watchful Waiting with subthemes of Remaining Hopeful and Sharing their Stories. Through the experiences shared in this study, nurses can better understand what it is like to live with the disease. Furthermore, the experiences shared in this study may have a significance for others suffering with prostate cancer.