Exploring patient narratives of intimacy and sexuality among men with prostate cancer

ABSTRACT

The burden of prostate cancer is considerable, with some men needing treatment to slow the growth of tumors, and others requiring surgery to remove the prostate gland. Such medical and surgical treatments for prostate cancer can increase men’s risk for impotence and urinary incontinence, leading to physical and emotional distress. Using a qualitative descriptive design involving semi-structured interviews, we asked men (n = 20) who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer to describe their psychosocial needs and experiences. Within these patient narratives were elements of personal and interpersonal loss, vulnerability, stigma, and self-blame. Based on our thematic analysis, we identified three themes: 1) I’m not 18 anymore, 2) Nothing below the waistline, and 3) It’s a family affair. Our objective in this paper is to highlight the ways in which men’s sexual health and intimate relationships are affected by prostate cancer. Discussed are the clinical implications of the findings for supporting individuals and couples affected by prostate cancer.

KEYWORDS:

• Prostate cancer
• qualitative research
• intimacy
• sexuality
• narrative therapy

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to our participants for sharing their insights and experiences. The first author is indebted to Dally, a beloved companion and canine co-author.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Prostate Cancer Canada and is proudly funded by The Movember Foundation under Grant #20R20241.

Notes on contributors

Nandini Maharaj

Nandini Maharaj, MA, is a PhD candidate in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Health Research Development Officer at The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Ms. Maharaj’s work is aimed at supporting diversity and enhancing capacity for well-being and learning.

Arminée Kazanjian

Arminée Kazanjian, Dr Soc, is a professor of Population and Public Health at The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada and a co-lead of the Canadian Consortium for Survivorship Research.