Between men:: patient perceptions and priorities in a rehabilitation program for men with prostate cancer

The objective of the study is to compare consumer aspects of an informative, a physical, and a combined informative and physical rehabilitation program included in the "Between men" project for newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients. A consecutive series of patients was randomized. Programs were especially developed for prostate cancer patients. The format was 7 weekly sessions. The results show that the perceived benefits of relaxation was greater in the combination group than in the physical training group only. In comparison with the physical group more patients in the informative groups (information and information + physical training) rated the knowledge received as very important. The majority of patients (90%) was of the opinion that the "Between men" programs, should be continued. Independent of the actual program given, patients opted for the combination program or information alone but not the physical training alone program. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.