Talking About Prostate Cancer
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Unfortunately, prostate cancer is a very common condition. In fact, 1 in 8 men may develop prostate cancer at some point in their life. It’s actually the 2nd highest cause of death among men in the US. Which is a rather shocking statistic.
Cancer is a very difficult battle as it is. However, one of the other greatest challenges that comes with it, especially among men, is talking about it. It is indeed a tough subject to talk about. Many men find it hard to reach out for help when they need it and get access to the information necessary for combating this condition.
The journey that is battling or recovering from cancer is arduous enough as it is, but doubly so when someone finds it difficult to talk about. Or even avoids the subject altogether. This is quite common among men once they get diagnosed.
This is in fact, one of the prime objectives we have here at Man Cave Health. We aim to normalize the subject of prostate health and prostate cancer. To make men feel more comfortable talking about subjects such as these, so they can get the treatment they need.
Why do men find it hard to talk about prostate cancer?
This is a challenging dilemma to pin down to just one reason. As this happens to be a complex subject with many layers. However, one thing we know for sure, is that prostate cancer is not just about cancer.
Unfortunately there is stigma around prostate cancer as a condition, as well as around its treatment and even diagnosis. There are some scientists who theorize this stigma could have something to do with how prostate problems can have an effect on men’s bodies.
It is known that the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer can have an effect on men’s sex life. Which in turn can have an effect on the perception of their own male identity. Men can find these sensitive subjects difficult to discuss with their families or friends, hence why they might avoid them. Not to mention that it’s a scary subject in and of itself.
Stigma around prostate cancer
Stigma and difficulties talking about this subject in fact have a negative effect on men’s health. Sadly, some men don’t go for prostate cancer screenings when they notice symptoms associated with the condition. This is often directly related to the aforementioned stigma and feelings of shame.
The first step in avoiding prostate cancer is prevention. And the first step to prevention is getting an early diagnosis and getting regular screenings once one reaches a certain age.
Normalizing the conversation around prostate health and showing that there is indeed no need to feel shame about it is an important step to helping with these problems too.
Another important step in this journey might also be to learn to separate one’s own male identity or worth from their sex life. As these are of course not mutually exclusive. This, however, is a very broad and complex subject that requires exploration in dedicated articles and conversations of its own.
Connect with other fellow prostate cancer survivors
Oftentimes, men also have trouble discussing prostate cancer because they don’t know anyone else who is going through it. Connecting with someone who has had a similar experience can make a huge difference. One can feel understood and even get useful advice on various challenges that come with the journey that is cancer.
Talking about prostate cancer and getting informed about it is important.
Check our resources section for further information. Where you can also find inspiration from success and survival stories, or we can help you connect with a prostate cancer survivor.
If you have any questions, or just want to talk, call us at our toll-free hotline: 1(833)HEAL-MEN. You are not alone in this journey. We are here to help guide and support you through it, every step of the way.
