Astellas Pharma US, Inc. and Medivation, Inc. announced results of a national survey of men with advanced prostate cancer and caregivers of men with advanced prostate cancer.

"Little, if any, research has been completed to understand the current experience of U.S. men living with advanced prostate cancer or caregivers to these men," said Thomas A. Farrington, founder and president of PHEN. 

"This survey provides much-needed information that will help us better support them, particularly as there is evidence that men are now living longer with advanced disease."

Results showed that while patients who participated in the survey are generally optimistic, a good number may feel isolated in coping with their disease. Forty-five percent reported they keep silent about their prostate cancer and treatments, and 59 percent are concerned about becoming a burden to family and friends. 

By comparison, only 43 percent of patient respondents have the same level of concern about dying. 

Read the Survey Results: The Patient Perspective 

Caregivers who participated in the survey expressed a high degree of stress associated with their roles. Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) said there are days when they feel overwhelmed caring for someone with advanced prostate cancer and 85 percent said they experience stress or anxiety related to their loved one's well-being. However, caregiver respondents are more concerned about helping their loved one cope with the physical and

emotional effects of advanced disease (83 percent) than they are about their own physical or emotional health (58 percent)

their loved ones, churches and communities. Survivors and their families are encouraged to join the Survivor Network