Examining Predictors of Diagnosed Fathers’ Openness with Adult Sons about Prostate Cancer and Familial Risk

• In Event: HIGH-DENSITY: Interpersonal Communication Between Doctors, Patients, and Family Members

Abstract

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) may communicate with at-risk adult sons about PCa, familial risk, and early PCa detection, however this has not been investigated. Using a mixed methods design, we examined relational openness, masculinity, cancer severity, and family history of PCa as possible predictors of openness with sons about PCa, familial risk, and screening. Preliminary survey results (n = 135) show that relational openness is a particularly strong predictor of openness with sons about PCa and screening, though family history of PCa and being from the U.S. also predict openness about PCa topics. Preliminary results from interview data (n = 33) suggest that fathers are open about screening with their sons regardless of PCa severity. Fathers whose fathers were also diagnosed but didn’t talk about their PCa voice a commitment to informing their sons about familial risk and screening. Full results will be available for presentation in May.

Authors

• Camella Rising, George Mason U

• Kevin B. Wright, George Mason University

• Carla Fisher, U of Florida