Conducting interviews about penile cancer: A patient-conducted-interview study

Objectives: Penile cancer is a rare but destructive condition. It has been found to be detrimental to body image, general health and sexual functioning, while increasing anxiety and social problems. The UK now manages penile cancer through specialist multi-disciplinary teams that see at least 25 new patients a year. There is a need to understand patients’ experiences so that treatment can be improved. The aim of this research is to allow patients to participate in the development of a nationwide interview study. Methods: A one-day participative workshop where a range of men diagnosed with penile cancer design and conduct audio and video interviews exploring experiences of treatment within the group. Results: Key themes included the rehabilitation of urinary functioning and strategies for coping with the physical and social impact of treatment. Conclusions: The findings emphasise the importance of day-to-day practicalities for men treated for penile cancer, which can form the basis for larger studies about how to better understand and manage their treatment

Psychology, men and cancer

A disease of the anatomical or social body, cancer raises fears about the uncontrollable division and multiplication of some abnormality that will lead ultimately to the destruction of those very conditions that make possible our lives. Cancer incidence and mortality rates are higher in men than women, raising questions about the roles for psychologists in relation to gender and cancer. Psychologists are wont to question the division of population level statistics by sex rather than other, such as behavioural, categories. Conceptual distinctions between biological sex and psychosocial gender are taught early in the psychology curriculum, but cancer of the breast questions the easy separation of the biological bod

Patients’ Experiences of penile Cancer

Penile cancer is a rare but destructive disease in Western populations. In the United Kingdom, penile cancer accounts for <1% of all new cases of cancer and <1% of deaths due to cancer every year (see Table 1). [Table 1] Surgical removal of the cancer is the primary form of treatment. This involves surgical excision of the primary tumour and of involved inguinal lymph nodes. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are rarely helpful, with their use restricted either to adjuvant use or for palliative treatment of extensive disease. In treating the primary tumour, the standard of care is to provide a surgical cure (ie, excising the tumour and a margin of normal penile tissue) while maintaining the function of the penis. The traditional view was that at least a 2-cm margin of normal tissue should be removed, but recent publications suggest that more conservative surgery may be safe [1], and [2]. The advantage of such organ-preserving surgery is intuitively advantageous to the patient in that penile function can be better preserved, but the evidence to support this view is limited at present

An evaluation of a toothbrushing programme in schools

Purpose: This paper assesses the effectiveness of a toothbrushing intervention delivered in primary schools in Yorkshire and the Humber, a Northern district of England. The toothbrushing intervention was designed with the intention of improving the oral health of young children. The paper reports the effectiveness of the intervention and explores process issues related to its co-ordination and delivery. Design/methodology/approach: The evaluation had three data gathering approaches. These were: in-depth case studies of three selected schools participating in the toothbrushing programme; interviews with oral health programme leads; and a small scale questionnaire based survey which was sent to the 18 schools participating in the intervention. Findings: The intervention was accepted by children and they enjoyed participating in the toothbrushing scheme. Moreover, children had often become more knowledgeable about toothbrusing and the consequences of not regularly cleaning their teeth. The scheme was contingent on key staff in the school and the programme was more successful where school’s embraced, rather than rejected the notion of improving children’s health alongside educational attainment. Whether the intervention made differences to brushing in the home requires further investigation, but there is a possibility that children can act as positive ‘change agents’ with siblings and other family members. Practical implications: This paper suggests that schools can be an effective setting for implementing toothbrushing interventions. Originality/value: Toothbrushing in schools programmes are a relatively new initiative that have not been fully explored, especially using qualitative approaches or focussing on the views of children. This paper makes a particular contribution to understanding the process and delivery of toothbrushing interventions delivered in primary schools. The implications for programmes outside of the UK context are discussed

Engaging men with penile cancer in qualitative research: reflections from an interview-based study.

To explore the challenges of engaging men with penile cancer in qualitative interview research

THE IMPACT OF PENILE CANCER TREATMENT ON SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS: A QUALITATIVE ENQUIRY

Background: Penile cancer is a rare but highly treatable condition. Current guidance recommends the use of a surgical procedure to excise the primary tumour (and a margin of normal penile tissue). Whilst treatment can be effective, treatment often has a significant impact on a patient's sexual and urinary function, and physical and mental wellbeing. The objective of this study was to explore the impact of treatment for penile cancer on sexual function and relationships. Methods: Qualitative data was collected via narrative video interviews. Maximum variation sampling was used to acquire the widest possible range of experiences. All interviews were recorded using either a digital video recorder or digital audio recorder, transcribed. A method of constant comparison analysis was used to illicit themes and outliers. Results: Twenty seven men were interviewed; mean age at diagnosis = 63 (range = 41-82); Mean number of years post-surgery = 3 (range = 0-15 years) 15 men were married, a further two were in a committed relationship, the remaining 10 were single/widowed. All men had received surgical treatment ranging from circumcision to total penectomy. Just two men had attended any form of psychological therapy. The impact of treatment varied considerably. The majority of men talked about still being able to experience arousal and sexual pleasure in some way. However, for many, penetrative sex was awkward and less gratifying than before treatment. One man who had received a total penectomy was surprised to experience a form of orgasm after surgery. For a number of men, the impact of treatment on their ability to satisfy their sexual partners was a key concern. Men who were able to openly talk with their partners about sex and the impact of the treatment on sexual practice found this a great comfort. Conclusion: The significance of sex for a man can differ considerably between individuals; relationship status, age and life stage are all likely to have a bearing on the role that sex plays in a man life. A diagnosis of cancer can also affect how a man (and his partner) views sex and the level of importance which he attaches to it. For men who are sexually active prior to treatment, surgery will undoubtedly result in changes to sexual practice, however, treatment does not have to result in sexual abstinence

Campus to Community: Health Promotion Partnerships

Communities have a vital role to play in physical & mental health & wellbeing & promoting healthy behaviours. Universities have a wealth of resources and are a significant player in building healthier communities. In the current climate of austerity where funding is scarce, universities can support charities to deliver services the local authority can no longer offer Leeds Beckett community-campus collaborations place emphasis on a community-centred approach for health and wellbeing, as social connections & influence on local decisions are major factors in good health

The self-care for people initiative: the outcome evaluation.

To determine the effects of a community-based training programme in self-care on the lay population

Self-care in primary care: findings from a longitudinal comparison study.

To examine the effects of self-care training workshops for primary healthcare workers on frequently attending patients

Evaluation Report; YouTube Takeover project (Shift.ms)

One of Shift.ms’ innovative digital interventions was our Twitter takeover: each weekend control of our account was handed to a different person from the MS community. People with MS (MSers) report that interacting with a different individual each week helped reduce feelings of isolation and reinforced a sense of community. This report presents the findings from an evaluation of The YouTube Takeover co-produced by the Centre for Health Promotion Research, Leeds Beckett University and Shift.ms