New research reveals rising regret among cancer patients, especially after prostate surgery.
REGRET RATE FOR PROSTATE SURGERY:
WHAT IS TREATMENT REGRET?
Treatment regret is when patients feel remorse after a cancer treatment decision, emotionally and physically tied to the outcome.
HOW COMMON IS REGRET?
Studies show 10-16% of cancer patients feel significant regret. In some cases, like certain thyroid or breast cancer treatments, regret rates are even higher.
PROSTATE SURGERY: 16% REGRET RATE
Surgery for prostate cancer has a regret rate of around 16%, often due to unexpected side effects like urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
Radiotherapy shows an 11% regret rate, while active surveillance ranges from 7-13%. Anxiety, expectations, and side effects influence regret differences.
WHY PATIENTS REGRET TREATMENT
Regret increases when expectations don’t match outcomes. Younger age, severe side effects, misunderstandings, and limited emotional support are major contributors.
THE ROLE OF COMMUNICATION
Shared decision-making reduces regret. Clear information, matched expectations, and emotional support lead to better satisfaction and outcomes.
TOWARD BETTER OUTCOMES
Reducing regret means aligning treatment plans with patient values, not just survival data. Personalized care + education = improved long-term well-being.