Mid-Life Crises: The Effects of Prostate Cancer and Menopause on a Relationship

Abstract

Prostate cancer is one of the highest cancer killers of men. Understanding the diagnosis, and subsequently deciding which treatment to have can be difficult for some men. Side-effects of treatment can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. These factors on their own create complexities in relationships but to complicate matters further, prostate cancer often occurs at a time when the female partners of heterosexual patients have gone through, or are going through menopause. These complications are both physical and emotional, impacting the individuals independently as well as the dynamics of the couple. In this paper we look at a case study of a couple who are in this position. An adaptation of Harry Procter’s PEG (Perceiver Element Grid) was used to look at how the male and female partners see themselves and each other, as well as their relationship.

Acknowledgments

I acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which the conference was held, and on which I live and work. I pay my respects to Ancestors, and Elders – past, present, and emerging. I am committed to honoring the unique cultural and spiritual relationships Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.