Understanding the Needs of Gay Men with Prostate Cancer: New Research and Resources
Presenters:
Lara Descartes, Associate Professor, Brescia University College, London
Stacey Hart, Associate Professor, Ryerson University, Toronto
Charles Hayter, MD, FRCP(C), Oncologist, Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga
Gary Akenhead, Documentary Film Editor, Toronto
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in North America, but its impact upon gay men and/or their partners has not received much research attention. Although struggling with the same changes in sexual, urinary, and bowel functioning as heterosexual men, gay men may face additional burdens. For example, some, especially older men, may be uncomfortable talking with their healthcare providers about their same-sex relationship. Moreover, gay men may avoid bringing their partner into appointments, where key treatment decisions are made with health care providers. Gay men, particularly singles, may also lack strong family support systems to help them through their diagnosis and treatment.
In the first part of this co-presentation we will address these and other issues related to prostate cancer and
gay men by drawing upon two research studies. The first, based out of the University of Connecticut draws
upon data from five focus groups (N=36) conducted with gay men who have not been diagnosed with
prostate cancer to reveal their knowledge of the prostate, prostate screenings, and prostate cancer risk factors and treatments. The findings suggest a strong need for physician education about gay men’s lives, education with gay men on prostate cancer and screening, and a need for identity-specific support groups should they be diagnosed. The second study, based out of Ryerson University and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston used a web-based survey on quality of life, prostate cancer related symptoms, and experiences in the health care system from gay men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Implications of the findings for gay men coping with prostate cancer and their partners will be discussed, as will implications for health care providers working with gay prostate cancer patients.
Research Team: Lara Descartes, PhD (Co-P1), Marysol Ascencio, PhD (Co-P1), Thomas Blank, PhD (P1), Ashley Crawford, MA, and Tae Hart, PhD (Co-1), David Latini, PhD (P1), David Coon, PhD (Co-1).
In the second part of our co-presentation, a multidisciplinary group from Toronto describes the development and creation of a new DVD resource for gay men with prostate cancer that explores the personal stories and real life experiences of seven courageous gay men. Five of the seven men have or have had prostate
cancer, and two of the men are their partners. The film depicts their fears and struggles, and we know that their courage and humanity will inspire and give hope to those about to embark on their own journey with prostate cancer. Excerpts from the film will be shown.
Team Members: Michael Bartucci, MD; David Evans, medical student; Leah Jamnicky, RN; Pearse Murray, broadcaster, cancer survivor and activist; Heather A Sampson, RN, BA, CCRP, MHSc; Bill Wade, RN.
