Couples Surviving Prostate Cancer: Long-Term Intimacy Needs and Concerns Following Treatment

Abstract

Couples surviving prostate cancer face long-term challenges in their relationships as they adapt to chronic illness. Ten couples surviving prostate cancer were brought together in a focus group to discuss their experiences and concerns regarding intimacy in their relationships. During three 30-minute segments, couples described their experiences (a) as couples, (b) as individual men and women in two concurrent break-out groups, and (c) regarding current intimacy and relationship needs. Questions asked of couples focused on (a) the process of being diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer, (b) what the experience was like for them as a couple, (c) what was helpful, harmful, and surprising throughout the experience, (d) what they currently needed most as a couple, and (e) what advice they had for other couples. Findings suggested that men and women think and respond differently to intimacy and relationship challenges that occur as a result of prostate cancer, diagnosis, and treatment. Consequently, healthcare providers in any clinical setting who may interact with prostate cancer survivors must consider the relationship and intimacy needs that are unique to men, women, and couples.

The psychosocial aspects of sexual recovery after prostate cancer treatment

“…[56][57][58][59] The factors that cause distress in partners are patients' physical pain and physical limitations. 53,58,60 Some partners are distressed by men's urinary incontinence. 53 Couple relationships are affected by prostate cancer treatment.…”

“…Communication within the couple is reported as an area of difficulty because couples often do not share their concerns; men and women report different needs for intimacy and guidance about recovery from treatment. 42,[60][61][62] The trajectory of coping may be different for patients and partners. Couper et al 63 found in a sample of 103 survivors and 103 partners that partners' rates of depression, distress and anxiety (per criteria Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition) were higher than those of the patients and the general Australian population.…”

Eficacia de las intervenciones psicológicas en hombres con cáncer de próstata

“…Además, las mujeres de los pacientes pueden llegar a presentar mayor malestar emocional que los propios pacientes (59,60) , manifestando tener carencia de información e incertidumbre sobre el futuro (60)(61)(62) , menor percepción de autoeficacia y menos apoyo social y de recur-sos (60) . Las dificultades principales que se presentan en la relación de pareja son la comunicación, la sexualidad y la intimidad (63,64) . A la hora de elaborar programas e intervenciones en los pacientes con cáncer de próstata y sus supervivientes, es necesario tener en cuenta los cambios que se producen en las áreas físicas, psicológicas y sociales, haciendo intervenciones lo más específicas posibles a la situación.…”

Les besoins en matière de soins de soutien parmi les proches des hommes atteints d’un cancer prostatique avancé

“…Les difficultés signalées par les partenaires comprennent la détresse liée à l'inquiétude et à les tensions liées au rôle (Harden, 2005), le manque d'information (Butler et coll., 2000), les difficultés liées à l'intimité et à la sexualité (Couper et coll., 2006;Crowe & Costello, 2003;Sanders, Pedro, Bantum & Galbraith, 2006) et les enjeux de communication avec le partenaire malade (Boehmer & Clark, 2001b;Hawes et coll., 2006;Lavery & Clarke, 1999). Le stade de la maladie est rarement cerné dans les études sur les partenaires d'hommes ayant le cancer de la prostate (Crowe & Costello, 2003;Feltwell & Rees, 2004;Harden, Northouse & Mood, 2006;Manne, Babb, Pinover, Horwitz & Ebbert, 2004;Rees et coll., 2003 Besoins similaires des proches des hommes ayant un cancer de la prostate HS et de ceux ayant un cancer de la prostate AI…”