Prostate cancer packs an emotional punch as well as a physical one, a new survey reveals.
Life-changing, frightening, and sad were just some of the answers survey respondents gave when asked to sum up prostate cancer in one word.
The “Prostate Cancer in America 2018” survey included 953 people: 928 men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and 25 prostate cancer caregivers.
Sixty-one percent of the men did not have prostate cancer symptoms when their diagnosis was made. Instead, they were visiting their doctor for another medical concern.
Over a third of the men (38%) were in remission at the time of the survey, but for 14%, the cancer had come back at least once.
Follow-up is important for prostate cancer patients, and most the men underwent scans and follow-up tests at least twice a year. The anxiety associated with such testing – wondering whether the cancer would return – can further the emotional impact of the disease.
So can the changes in quality of life. Just over half the men said they had less energy, and 39% were bothered by treatment side effects. Men also expressed concerns that their condition would worsen (38%), that pain prevented them from doing things they enjoyed (34%), and feelings of sadness (33%).
When asked about daily experiences, almost a quarter of the men coped with erectile dysfunction (ED). Back and hip pain, fatigue, and urinary problems were other common effects.
The men were most frustrated by sexual problems, bladder and bowel issues, their unknown future, and “not feeling like a man.” Almost two-thirds said they were not satisfied with their sex lives. Some worried that their partner would leave them.
Nine percent had been diagnosed with anxiety or panic disorders; eight percent had a mood disorder, like depression.
While most were satisfied with their treatment, many pointed out the need for mental health support and resources, especially for depression and anxiety.
“‘Not feeling like a man’ is a big part of men having to grapple with a ‘different self’ post–diagnosis. Questioning one’s identity and how one feels may be a new experience for many men. Most men will need time to resolve the emotional aspects with how they are they are feeling physically, and how they relate to others like a spouse or family members,” the Health Union editorial team wrote.
The survey was conducted online between October 19, 2017 and January 31, 2018.
Resources
Health Union
“Prostate Cancer Survey Highlights Impact on Social, Emotional Well-Being”
(Press release. April 12, 2018)
https://health-union.com/news/prostate-cancer-survey-emotional-impact/
ProstateCancer.net
“Prostate Cancer – Turning Life Inside Out”
(April 11, 2018)
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
