Impact of trait anxiety on psychological well-being in men with prostate cancer

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine state anxiety following radical treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa), and the impact of trait anxiety on psychological well-being in affected patients. Material and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional survey of 70 men with localized PCa performed between February 2012 and July 2012. Of those, 21, 25, and 24 patients were treated by radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB), and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), respectively. State anxiety, trait anxiety, and general health were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and 8 Items Short Form Health Survey (SF-8). Results: The rate of very high and high state anxiety in patients who received RRP was 47.6%, while that in patients who received PPB and EBRT was 40.0% and 37.5%, respectively. In contrast, the rate of very high and high trait anxiety in the RRP group was much lower (23.7%). Trait anxiety showed a high correlation with state anxiety and the mental health component summary of SF-8 (correlation coefficient=0.715, -0.504). Conclusions: Trait anxiety was associated with the degree of state anxiety regarding treatments for PCa, followed by change in state anxiety, which might have effects on psychological well-being. Information regarding state anxiety as a consequence of treatments and trait anxiety measurement tool are important considerations for treatment decision-making in newly diagnosed PCa patients.