journal of men's health
Volume 5, Issue 4 , Pages 327-332, December 2008

Gay men and prostate cancer: voicing the concerns of a hidden population

  • Shaun M. Filiault, EdM

      Affiliations

    • School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia and Health Promotion Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author.
    • ,
  • Murray J.N. Drummond, PhD

      Affiliations

    • School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia and Freemason's Centre for Men's Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
    • ,
  • James A. Smith, BAppScHons, BEd

      Affiliations

    • Flinders University of South Australia, SA, Australia

Received 3 June 2008; accepted 20 August 2008.

Abstract 

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is of paramount concern to men's health, with a high prevalence in Western societies. While previous research has examined PCa from a variety of standpoints, this literature fails to take into account the difficulties encountered by marginalized groups of men, such as gay men.

Methods

For this phenomenological, qualitative pilot study, we conducted interviews with two gay men with PCa and one long term romantic partner of a gay man with PCa so as to better understand their viewpoints on the disease. An inductive, thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was conducted.

Results and conclusions

Major themes expressed included (1) concerns related to relationship changes and strains, (2) altered sexual function and associated implications for a gay identity, and (3) the perception of heteronormative attitudes in the health care system. Implications for health care delivery are discussed.

Keywords: Prostate cancer, Homosexuality, Men, Qualitative methods

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PII: S1875-6867(08)00189-9

doi:10.1016/j.jomh.2008.08.005

journal of men's health
Volume 5, Issue 4 , Pages 327-332, December 2008

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