Cancer Council is calling on partners of men with prostate cancer to reach out for support, with research showing partners experience high levels of distress related to the diagnosis of their loved one.
Around 36 per cent of female partners of men diagnosed with prostate cancer experience mild to severe anxiety, with the man’s psychological distress and sexual issues the strongest influencers on the partner’s mental health*.
Research also shows the partners of men diagnosed with prostate cancer have twice the rate of major depression and general anxiety than the average.
It’s normal for partners of men with prostate cancer to have questions, concerns, fears or confusion about a diagnosis, and what it means for the future.
No one should be afraid to reach out for help with distress or anxiety – Cancer Council exists to help anyone impacted in any way by a cancer diagnosis.
In some cases partners may experience apprehension about asking for support when they haven’t been diagnosed with cancer themselves.
We want to dispel that fear – we’re encouraging all partners of men with prostate cancer who are experiencing distress to get in touch with us for dedicated help and support.
Half of all men diagnosed with prostate cancer don’t seek support for cancer-related issues, including fears about the future and lack of control of treatment outcomes.
This is also a reminder for men to seek the support they need to cope with a diagnosis and cancer-related issues.
It’s clear that the way a man adjusts to a prostate cancer diagnosis influences the outcome of the woman’s overall wellbeing.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available via 13 11 20 or cancerqld.org.au.