Caregiving and social support for gay and bisexual men with prostate cancer

Abstract

Objective Prostate cancer, the second most common cancer among men, typically onsets in middle or older age. Gay/bisexual men have different social networks and unique social support needs, particularly as it pertains to health care access and prostate side effects. Few studies have investigated the availability and provision of social support for gay and bisexual men with prostate cancer (GBMPCa). Methods This study used qualitative data from in-depth, semi-structured, one-on-one telephone interviews with 30 GBMPCa recruited from a national cancer support group network, Malecare. Inductive and deductive coding were used to identify themes about social support provided to GBMPCa during diagnosis and treatment. Results GBMPCa reported help from friends, family (parents, siblings), ex-partners, and paid caregivers. Men in relationships reported varying levels of reliance on their partners for support, in part due to relationship dynamics and living arrangements. Single men showed a theme of independence (“I turned down all help”, “my friends don’t want to be bothered”). After diagnosis, many men reported seeking informational and emotional support from prostate cancer support groups; most expressed wanting more support groups specifically for GBMPCa. During or after treatment, men reported receiving a range of instrumental support, largely a function of relationship status and treatment type. Conclusions GBMPCa received variable, but generally low, social support during diagnosis and treatment and from a diverse social network, including a prominence of friends and family. Clinicians should be aware of GBMPCa’s distinct patterns of social support needs and providers.

Experiences and unmet needs of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people with cancer care: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis

“…Two of these articles described separate analyses drawn from the same parent study . The 6 included articles with exclusively male participants focused on sexual minority men with prostate cancer . Two of these articles described different analyses arising from the same data set .…”

“…I didn't want to hear about theirs. It didn't work for me.”, p1332). Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people with cancer who had access to LGB‐specific support groups reported positive experiences.…”

“…The overarching theme “unmet needs” is distinct in that it includes specific areas of need clearly articulated by participants within the included studies. Seven articles contributed to this theme …”

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

“…Three articles laid out how GBQ men may not feel comfortable or safe in disclosing their sexuality, which may prevent their male partners accompanying them to healthcare appointments (Capistrant et al, ; Filiault et al, ; Rose et al, ). Many partnered GBQ men described the importance of shared decision making around treatment as well as providing emotional and instrumental support during and after treatment.…”

“…Many partnered GBQ men described the importance of shared decision making around treatment as well as providing emotional and instrumental support during and after treatment. Not being able to disclose their sexuality, and thus include their partners in treatment decision making, impeded their partners’ abilities to provide this support (Capistrant et al, ).…”