Reasons Why Men Reject Watchful Waiting

Axis I: General fear of consequences

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A. Need to combat the tumor: “I never considered (watchful waiting). I wanted to get rid of the cancer, cancer a very serious thing”; “If you know you have cancer, you can't not do something about it.”

B. Relative youth: “My relative age of 64 was the key factor— I'm too young.”

C. Fear of tumor spread: “too risky, cancer could become invasive and spread to other parts of body.”

Axis II: Specific perception of elevated risk

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A. Elevated PSA or Gleason score: “watching waiting not an option with a Gleason score of 6”; “(because of) the fact my PSA was doubling rapidly I felt I had to do something.”

B. Family history of cancer: “My father had prostate cancer. I don't want to die from prostate cancer.”

C. Coexistent condition: “My medications make it easier for my tumor to grow.”

Axis III: External persuasion

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A. Physician recommendation: “After talking with the doctor, he made it clear to take care of (the cancer) now.”

B. Family advice: “I wouldn't mind (watchful waiting), but forced by my daughter because (I'm) too young. Daughter felt (that because) of my age, I should do something”; “My wife won't go for this. I have a problem, so we should get a solution. My wife makes (the) major decisions.”