Prostate Cancer and Intimacy

Author(s):

Joseph F. Renzulli MD, FACS ,Mitchell Cornet, MPP, MHSA

Key Takeaways

Advanced prostate cancer treatment can affect intimacy and QOL, necessitating open communication with healthcare providers.
Patients should articulate their treatment goals and preferences to influence decision-making and treatment aggressiveness.
Self-advocacy involves discussing treatment risks, benefits, and personal concerns with healthcare providers.
Strategies to maintain QOL during treatment are essential for preserving daily life and personal priorities.

Panelists discuss how the diagnosis and treatment of advanced prostate cancer can significantly impact intimacy and relationships, emphasizing the importance of open communication about goals and preferences in treatment decisions, while also sharing strategies for self-advocacy and maintaining quality of life (QOL) throughout the treatment journey.

EP: 1.When and Why To Get Screened for Prostate Cancer

EP: 2.Understanding Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Testing

EP: 3.The Benefits of a Multidisciplinary Approach to Managing Prostate Cancer

EP: 4.Understanding Diagnosis and Partnering With Your Care Team

EP: 5.Understanding Your Treatment Options for Advanced Prostate

EP: 6.Navigating Post-Surgery Recovery

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EP: 7.Prostate Cancer and Intimacy

EP: 8.Support and Advocacy Groups

Video content above is prompted by the following:

How can the diagnosis and treatment of advanced prostate cancer affect intimacy for patients? What advice do you offer patients?
How has your diagnosis and treatment impacted your intimate relationships, and what advice would you give to others?

TOPIC IV: Advocating for Yourself (~5 minutes)

How important is it for patients to share their goals and preferences in treatment decisions? What role do their preferences play in your treatment decisions, including how aggressive to be?
How did you speak up for yourself during your treatment journey? What strategies worked for you? What advice would you offer others?
What should patients consider when talking to their doctors about the risks and benefits of treatments?
What were your main concerns, and how did you talk about them with your doctor? Do you have any questions that someone going through a similar journey should ask their care team?
How do QOL issues affect treatment decisions?
How has your treatment impacted your daily life and overall QOL? Did you have any strategies to help maintain your QOL and continue to be able to do what was important to you?