The effects of prostate cancer on intimate relationships

Prostate cancer (PCA) represents an intensely 'personal' medical condition. PCA and its treatments affect intimate aspects of a man's bodily and psychological function, aspects that only the man himself and his partner can fully appreciate. There is growing evidence that the diagnosis of PCA has important adverse psychosocial effects on both the patient and his partner. An understanding of the ways in which a patient's female partner is affected by PCA is beginning to emerge. In this review several key issues for future psychosocial research are outlined and discussed: adjusting to the challenge of the PCA diagnosis, the impact on the couples' relationship, the dilemma of treatment choice, the desire to conceal treatment side-effects, the effect of gender on the reaction of patients and female partners, and the unique problems facing same-sex couples. Pulling these issues together, the conclusion is drawn that psychosocial interventions designed to help the couple face this 'relationship disease' together are the most likely to be acceptable and effective for those affected by this common cancer.