Emotional Side of Prostate Cancer
By Tresa Erickson

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in his life. In addition to dealing with the physiological effects of the disease, those who are diagnosed with prostate cancer will have to deal with the psychological effects. Ranging from withdrawal to depression, these effects may be as debilitating as the disease itself.

Men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer often feel vulnerable and experience a profound loss of masculinity due to the side effects of the disease, including impotence and incontinence. They experience intense feelings of anger and sadness and find it difficult to deal with their feelings. Some lash out at others repeatedly while others choose to keep their feelings locked inside.

Many men diagnosed with prostate cancer experience what is known as the five Ds. They fear dependence on others, disfigurement, disability, disruption of relationships at home that may occur as a result of the disease and, ultimately, death. The five Ds often result in the formation of a psychiatric disorder. Depression, adjustment disorders and anxiety disorders are common among men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Because of the psychological problems that tend to occur along with prostate cancer and other cancers, a new field has developed in medicine known as psycho-oncology. Psycho-oncologists help people diagnosed with cancer deal with the psychological effects of the disease. Forms of treatment include psychotherapy; medication; and supportive, cognitive and behavioral discourses.

The field of psychooncology is still growing and its impact on the treatment of prostate cancer is just starting to be realized. Many physicians are now in agreement that the best treatment of prostate cancer involves more than just treating the disease and working to eradicate it. It involves treatment of the whole person from the way the cancer is affecting their body to the way it is affecting their mind. Comprehensive care through a team of specialists including a psychooncologist will provide a better outcome for men suffering from prostate cancer as well as anyone suffering from any other form of cancer.

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer have far more than just the disease itself to deal with. If at all possible, they should be given access to a wide range of specialists, including a psycho-oncologist.