Social networks and social support in the treatment experiences of older men with prostate cancer in Accra, Ghana
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Prostate cancer presents substantial treatment and supportive care challenges for men in Ghana. This qualitative study explored social networks, social support, and treatment experiences among men receiving prostate cancer treatment at a tertiary teaching hospital in Accra, Ghana. Using Interpretive Description as the methodological approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 10 men and analyzed the data using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants were predominantly educated, retired older men. Family members, particularly spouses and children, were the most prominent members of participants’ social networks and the main sources of practical, financial, emotional, and informational support. Participants described substantial financial burden, emotional distress, mobility difficulties, and health-system challenges, including radiotherapy equipment breakdowns. Although religious networks provided support for some participants, half had not disclosed their prostate cancer diagnosis to church leaders or members, largely because of concerns about confidentiality and anticipated negative responses. Participants perceived social networks and social support as important resources for managing financial, emotional, practical, and informational challenges during treatment. The findings highlight the need for supportive cancer care that strengthens available support networks while addressing financial burden, psychosocial needs, confidentiality concerns, and health-system barriers.
Source: Scientific Reports
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
OpenAlex ID: W7218769968