Impact of prostate cancer treatments on men’s understanding of their masculinity.

Abstract

Men being treated for prostate cancer (PCa) commonly report a diminished sense of their masculinity, but it is not clear what contributes to that perception. Here we examined the literature to explore the characteristics most commonly used to describe diminished masculinity in PCa patients. Data were extracted from 42 peer-reviewed articles that referenced both PCa and terms associated with masculinity. We then ranked the terms by frequency and evaluated whether each reflected a biological feature (e.g., ability to achieve an erection) or a social norm (e.g., being a protector/breadwinner). We also recorded whether patient reports were self-generated or elicited through existing psychological assessment instruments chosen by researchers. We found notable differences between what patients perceived as a decline in their masculinity when spontaneously self-reported, and when elicited through preexisting measures. Patients most often reported changes in bodily function (e.g., reduced erectile function, libido, and physical strength), whereas their responses on formalized measures reflected social and psychological concepts (e.g., self-reliance and stoicism). Our results suggest that loss of masculinity experienced by PCa patients is largely experienced biologically as opposed to socially. Moving forward, interdisciplinary collaboration between those in biomedicine and psychosocial fields will be crucial for improving the quality of life of PCa patients.

Contemporary consumer perspectives on prostate cancer survivorship: Fifty voices

“…This issue is made more problematic by the lack of review‐based evidence for care coordination and surveillance for recurrence . Notably, participants in the present study eschewed traditional viewpoints associated with men avoiding thinking about their disease or desiring engagement in their care and this reinforces the need for a deep consideration of how models and expressions of masculinity influence prostate cancer care . Specifically, men‐centred care is deeply contextual and dynamic but includes a consideration of how health care services for men intersect with masculinity and in the context of this study with men's preferences for the design and delivery of prostate cancer survivorship care …”

“…16 Notably, participants in the present study eschewed traditional viewpoints associated with men avoiding thinking about their disease or desiring engagement in their care 30 and this reinforces the need for a deep consideration of how models and expressions of masculinity influence prostate cancer care. [31][32][33][34] Specifically, men-centred care is deeply contextual and dynamic but includes a consideration of how health care services for men intersect with masculinity and in the context of this study with men's preferences for the design and delivery of prostate cancer survivorship care. 35 By contrast participants expressed a desire to direct their survivorship experience and called for a system which included them, consulted with them and advocated broadly for them.…”

Quality of life and adjustment in men with prostate cancer: Interplay of stress, threat and resilience

“…So after resilience is controlled, the effects of masculine identity threat on adjustment are diminished. Given the difficult functional side effects of treatments for prostate cancer, men can report a diminished sense of manhood [ 62 ] where masculinity may be rated against a hegemonic gender norm, characterised by expectations to be independent, self-reliant, in control, and strong [ 63 ]. While this gender role threat has been linked to poor outcomes at diagnosis [ 39 ] and two years on [ 38 ], more quantitative research is warranted to understand when and how this influences adjustment.…”

Precarious Manhood Predicts Support for Aggressive Policies and Politicians

“…Indeed, seeming to fall short in these areas can threaten American men's sense of masculinity (Courtenay, 2000;Fergus et al, 2002;Frederick et al, 2017;Loe, 2001;R. Ricciardelli, 2011;Thompson & Barnes, 2013;Tsang et al, 2019). Thus, our PM search terms tapped men's concern for their standing in the domains of sexuality, youth, and health.…”