Dr. Oh on Recognizing Symptom Burden in Advanced Prostate Cancer

William K. Oh, MD, professor of Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology, and Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, discusses a global study aimed at recognizing symptom burden in patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Over 900 patients and their caregivers were surveyed in 11 countries, Oh explains. Findings showed that patients are underreporting symptoms and harbor a significant symptom burden with advanced disease. There are also differences in reported symptoms by country, as well as a discrepancy between patients and their caregivers on whether their symptoms are negatively impacting their daily activities.

The cause of this lack of reporting, Oh says, is likely because many men feel uncomfortable or believe it is a "sign of weakness" to report their symptoms. However, Oh adds, it is important for men to discuss symptoms with their physicians as they may be able to improve them.