Social Support and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Gay and Bisexual Men With Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Clinicians should be aware of the different social support networks and needs of GBMPCa and refer them to relevant support groups to improve QOL.

Sexual minority men and the experience of undergoing treatment for prostate cancer: An integrative review

“…GBQ men's social support is often based on a network of a “chosen family,” that is, a network of non‐biological “family” that plays a role more akin to biological family, such as parents or siblings, in heterosexual networks (Capistrant et al, ; Thomas et al, ). Capistrant et al () noted that, for GBQ men, neighbourhood gay bars and communities often can be significant sources of support.…”

Hidden Patients, Hidden Partners: Prostate Cancer Care for Gay and Bisexual Men

“…As their study highlights, social support may look very different for GBM with prostate cancer compared to heterosexual men. For example, while 46% of GBM in this study’s sample had a spouse/partner who was involved in their care (Capistrant et al, 2018), many GBM are single and many do not have children, relative to samples of heterosexual men. In addition, social support for GBM is less likely to come from biological family due to lack of acceptance, and therefore many find support instead from chosen family.…”

“…In the Capistrant et al (2018) study, GBM with prostate cancer who received more types of support (e.g. emotional support, informational support, activities of daily living, medical appointments support, or other men with prostate cancer) and had a broader, more diverse social support network had higher quality of life.…”

“…This has led to a population of hidden patients, as well as hidden caregivers and partners. Capistrant and colleagues (2018) have addressed this gap by conducting the largest survey to date of social support and quality of life in GBM with prostate cancer. Their work provides insights about how nurses can make changes through research and clinical care to better treat GBM and, by extension, all SGM people with cancer.…”

“…However, research and clinical practice efforts to improve outcomes for men with prostate cancer have largely ignored the unique social support circumstances of gay and bisexual men (GBM) (Capistrant et al, 2016; Hoyt et al, 2017). Capistrant and colleagues (2018) have addressed this gap by conducting the largest survey to date of social support and quality of life in GBM with prostate cancer. This study highlights several pressing issues confronting GBM, and can also speak to the needs of sexual and gender minority (SGM) cancer patients in general.…”