PERSPECTIVES OF PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP MEMBERS ON MEN'S HEALTH ISSUES AND MASCULINITY

ROSS GRAY
MARGARET I. FITCH
MANON LABRECQUE
MARLENE GREENBERG

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DOI: 10.2190/H9L9-14UU-2MQG-P4RH

Abstract

There is growing evidence that men are in trouble with their health, and that conceptions about masculinity are implicated in this trouble. But there has been little investigation about the perspectives of men themselves regarding these issues. In this article, findings of interviews with veteran prostate cancer patients who have been involved with cancer support groups are reported. Participants agreed that most men are poorly prepared for acting proactively to ensure good health or for dealing with a health crisis, thereby providing confirmation for recent writing in men's health. Chief among the problems cited is men's habitual tendency to avoid communicating with family and friends about personal health matters. Despite verbal acknowledgment of the need for change, some individual men judged themselves as falling short as communicators. After viewing an educational drama about couples facing prostate cancer, many men reported new insights about the difficulties experienced by their spouse.

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