The PRO-ACT (Patient-led Research On sexual experience After Cancer Treatment) Survey is a Cancer Trials Ireland patient-led study exploring the experiences of prostate cancer patients and their partners following treatment.
The survey is now closed, with more than 1,100 patients and partners sharing their experiences.
PRO-ACT has provided important new insight into the impact of prostate cancer treatment on sexual wellbeing, relationships and mental health, and the extent to which patients and partners feel prepared and supported.
Why this study matters
Prostate cancer treatment can have a significant impact on sexual function, emotional wellbeing and relationships, but these effects are not always openly discussed or adequately addressed.
PRO-ACT was designed to better understand these experiences directly from patients and their partners and to identify gaps in information, communication and support.
Among the findings, two-thirds of patients surveyed said they were either underprepared or completely unprepared for the impact treatment would have on their sexual function.
Patient-led research
PRO-ACT is a Cancer Trials Ireland patient-led study, reflecting our commitment to research shaped and led by patients and focused on the questions and experiences that matter most to them.
The study was led by co-Chief Investigators Martin Sweeney, Patient Consultant and prostate cancer patient, and Professor Paul Kelly, Radiation Oncologist, working alongside a multidisciplinary steering committee of healthcare professionals and people with lived experience.
Hear from a patient and a partner
From the beginning, lived experience was central to PRO-ACT.
Martin Sweeney and Jacqui shared their own perspectives on why this research was needed and why it was so important for patients and partners to have the opportunity to speak openly about their experiences.
Jacqui’s Story
Martin’s Story
What PRO-ACT explored
The study examined:
- the impact of prostate cancer treatment on sexual wellbeing, intimacy, mental health and quality of life
- how well patients and partners felt prepared for the sexual side effects of treatment
- gaps in information, communication and support
- the experiences of partners, whose perspectives are often less visible
- how patient and partner experiences can help inform future information, services and practice
The partner persepctive
A dedicated partner survey formed an important part of PRO-ACT.
It explored the experiences of partners of prostate cancer patients, including the impact of treatment on intimacy, relationships and emotional wellbeing.
Including partners alongside patients provided a broader picture of how prostate cancer treatment affects couples and highlighted the importance of recognising and supporting both perspectives.
PRO-ACT in the media
The findings from PRO-ACT have received national media attention, helping to bring an often-unspoken aspect of life after prostate cancer treatment into wider public discussion.
Martin Sweeney joined Dr Claire Kilty, Head of Research at the Irish Cancer Society, on Today with David McCullagh on RTÉ Radio 1 to discuss the findings and the gaps that remain in information and support for patients and their partners.
PRO-ACT also featured on RTÉ television news and in the Irish Examiner.
🎧 Listen to the RTÉ Radio 1 interview:
https://bit.ly/4wSS7zE
📰 Read the Irish Examiner coverage:
https://bit.ly/4cFwf2x
Funding and support
PRO-ACT was funded by the Irish Cancer Society, with additional support from Blackraven CU, Men Against Cancer (now Prostate Cancer Ireland), the Hospital Saturday Fund and Friends of Cancer Trials Ireland.
We are grateful to all of the patients and partners who shared their experiences and made this research possible.
For questions or more information about PRO-ACT, please contact proact@cancertrials.ie.
