Abstract
Background. Men who have localized prostate cancer face complex treatment options. Method. This prospective cohort study explored the information sources used by men in the time between receiving the diagnosis of early‐stage prostate cancer and receiving initial treatment. Subjects completed a survey three months after initial treatment regarding information sources used in the following four domains: health professionals, patient education materials, electronic and print media, and lay acquaintances. Results. Of 112 men who completed the survey, all had consulted a urologist prior to treatment, but fewer than half had consulted a radiation oncologist (48%) or a general internist (37%). Written pamphlets were a widely used source of information (79%). Health professionals were thought to be the most helpful sources of information, followed by patient education materials. Conclusion. Professional consultations and written materials are often used and valued sources of information for men when considering treatment options for prostate cancer.