Dutch BALANCE questionnaire launched to better understand the experiences of black men with prostate cancer

We are pleased to announce the official launch of the Dutch BALANCE questionnaire. This important initiative is part of a larger international study being conducted in Brazil, the Netherlands, Suriname, Sierra Leone, and the United Kingdom. The study aims to improve understanding of the experiences, needs, and challenges of Black men of African and Caribbean ancestry, as well as men of mixed ethnic backgrounds, who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Although prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, some communities remain underrepresented in research. As a result, important gaps remain in our understanding of differences in risk, experiences of healthcare, access to information and support, and factors that may influence quality of life and outcomes for these patients.

The BALANCE study brings together researchers, healthcare professionals, and patient organisations across multiple countries to better understand the prostate cancer journey within diverse communities. By collecting insights directly from patients in different cultural and healthcare settings, the study aims to identify shared challenges, country-specific needs, and opportunities to improve access to care, support, and information.

The Dutch BALANCE questionnaire represents an important contribution to this international effort by capturing the experiences of patients in the Netherlands.

The BALANCE study aims to:

• Capture the experiences of Black men of African and Caribbean ancestry, as well as men of mixed ethnic backgrounds, who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• Better understand challenges and barriers related to diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, and support.
• Identify patients’ information and support needs.
• Generate evidence that can inform future research, clinical practice, and policies aimed at improving equity in prostate cancer care.

The Dutch arm of the BALANCE study is supported by Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Erasmus Medical Center (MC), the Dutch Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Suriname Prostate Cancer Foundation. Through collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, and patient organisations across countries, the initiative aims to strengthen the representation of diverse patient populations in prostate cancer research and ensure that the experiences of all patients are reflected in future improvements in care.

The participation of patients is essential to the success of this initiative. Each response will contribute to a better understanding of the prostate cancer journey and help ensure that future care, information, and support services are better aligned with the needs of diverse patient populations.

Healthcare professionals, patient organisations, and community partners are encouraged to help raise awareness of the Dutch BALANCE questionnaire and support recruitment of eligible participants.