TITLE:
Lived Experiences of Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving Care at Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia
AUTHORS:
Salome Musanse, Patricia Katowa Mukwato, Victoria Mwiinga Kalusopa
KEYWORDS:
Prostate Cancer, Lived Experiences, Psychosocial Support
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.10,
October
27,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Prostate cancer is an increasing health concern among men, and its diagnosis and treatment can affect physical, psychological, social and emotional well-being. In Zambia, qualitative evidence describing how men experience and cope with prostate cancer within the healthcare system remains limited. Aim: This study explored the lived experiences of men diagnosed with prostate cancer receiving care at Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH) in Lusaka, Zambia. Design and Methods: An exploratory qualitative study using a descriptive phenomenological approach was conducted among 13 men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling followed by snowball sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews using an interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim and analysed concurrently using thematic analysis. Bracketing was employed to minimise the influence of researcher preconceptions. Results: Four major themes emerged from the study: emotional and psychological impact, physical health challenges, social and relationship dynamics, and navigating healthcare systems. Participants described fear and anxiety following diagnosis, including fear of death, uncertainty about treatment outcomes and concerns about their families. Physical challenges included persistent fatigue, urinary incontinence, gastrointestinal disturbances, pain, mobility difficulties and sexual dysfunction, with consequences for independence and quality of life. Family members provided emotional, financial and practical support, although participants also described stigma, social isolation, reluctance to disclose their diagnosis and difficulties maintaining social and occupational roles. Participants further reported barriers to specialised cancer care, including transportation costs, long travel distances, financial constraints and prolonged waiting times. Limited information and inconsistent communication with healthcare providers contributed to uncertainty and distress. Spirituality, family support and personal resilience were important coping resources. Conclusion and Recommendations: Men living with prostate cancer experienced interconnected physical, psychological, social and healthcare-related challenges that extended beyond diagnosis and treatment. Prostate cancer care should therefore incorporate comprehensive psychosocial support, clear communication, effective symptom management, rehabilitation, sexual-health support, family involvement and measures to reduce practical barriers to accessing specialised services.