#2999 The Experience of Hot Flashes Among Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving Hormone Treatment. A Kagee, LK Kruus, S Malkowicz, DJ Vaughn, JC Coyne; University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA Hot flashes are one of the most common side effects of hormonal treatment among prostate cancer patients. The characteristics of hot flashes, however, have not been well defined. The present study describes the experience of hot flashes in a sample of prostate cancer patients. Participants were 138 medically or surgically castrated men (mean age=72) who completed a hot flash questionnaire following a routine clinic visit. Participants were predominantly Caucasian, college-educated, married and retired. Approximately 80% of participants reported hot flashes. Younger men were more likely to report hot flashes than were older men (p=.001). On average, participants reported four hot flashes per day. Forty-six percent of men reported the typical duration of hot flashes to be less than three minutes, and 39% reported the duration of three to five minutes. More than 65% of men reported the experience of hot flashes to include flushing, warmth, perspiration, dry mouth, and clammy skin. Approximately 45% of men also reported fatigue and weakness. Most me (60-70%) did not endorse emotional symptoms such as distress, feeling out of control, anxiety or irritability during hot flashes. A majority of men reported sleep disturbances (72%), interference with daily activities (56%), and interference with their ability to enjoy life (59%) secondary to hot flashes. Although 71% stated that they experience ‘a little’ to ‘some’ discomfort during hot flashes, of those not receiving treatment, fewer than 50% would consider taking medication to treat them. These results suggest that hot flashes are a significant side-effect of hormonal treatment. While pharmacologic treatment is a potential strategy to manage hot flashes, a significant percentage of patients do not find it an acceptable option. Therefore alternative support/educational interventions should also be considered to help patients better understand, manage and cope with this treatment side effect. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.