Dear participant

Thank you for your interest in taking part in our research project on prostate cancer at the University of Lucerne and the Lucerne Cantonal Hospital. First of all, we would like to provide you with further information about this research project.

Aims of the study

In this study, we investigate the perceptions, attitudes and experiences of biological men with regard to prostate cancer, current early detection procedures such as PSA tests in Switzerland and a possible structured early detection program (screening) that could be organized in the future. To do so, we are interviewing people between the ages of 45 and 65. Our aim is to better understand your thoughts on these topics as well as to get to know about your experiences with prostate cancer and its early detection. Most importantly, there are no right or wrong answers – it's all about your personal opinions and experiences.

Interview process

If you participate, you will take part in an approximately 60-minute interview, either online or in person, depending on your preference. The length of the interview will of course also depend on how much you wish to tell us.

Participation criteria 

If you participate, you meet the following criteria:

• You are between 45 and 65 years old.
  
• You are fluent in German or English.
  
• You live in Central Switzerland, have a Swiss health insurance and are familiar with the Swiss healthcare system.
  
• You are willing to describe your personal views and experiences regarding prostate cancer, current early detection procedures, and a potential structured, organized early detection program (screening).
  
• You do not have previously diagnosed or treated prostate cancer. 
  

It doesn't matter whether you have already undergone early detection (meaning, most of the time PSA-testing) or not. In both cases, you can take part in the study.

Your rights

The interview will be recorded and transcribed. Your data will be anonymized and only processed and stored for the purposes of this research project to ensure confidentiality. This means that no one will be able to identify you as an individual. The data will not be passed on to third parties, will be stored securely on Swiss servers at the University of Lucerne and will be deleted after the study has been completed. The audio and video files generated during the recording will be deleted immediately after processing. All data will be handled in accordance with the Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You have the right to access, delete and correct your personal data.

In addition, participation is voluntary, and you can stop the interview at any time without giving reasons and withdraw your consent. You may also skip any questions during the interview. There are no physical risks, but some participants may find discussing the topic of cancer emotionally challenging. If needed, we will provide contacts for psychological support services.

Study approval and further information

The ethics committee of the University of Lucerne is responsible for the review and approval of the study. For further details, please download the study information sheet (PDF) (please open the link with a click on the right mouse button and click “open in new window” so that this window does not close).

If you are still interested in taking part in the study under these conditions, please click on “Next”. We would like to ask you a few more questions about yourself and request your contact details. This is the easiest way for us to arrange an appointment with you.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would like to thank you in advance for your openness and your valuable contribution!

Best regards

Julia Hoffmann

Project member
Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, and Lucerne Cantonal Hospital
Email: julia.hoffmann@luks.ch