Prostate Cancer and Masculinity in Australian Society: A Case of Stolen Identity?

This article examines the relationship between cultural constructions of masculinity and men's experiences of prostate cancer in Australian society. Drawing on the results of a qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with 33 men with prostate cancer, this article focuses on the difficulties posed by prostate cancer for these men's gender identities. Findings illustrate how investigative, diagnostic, and treatment procedures pose significant difficulties for many men, especially in relation to their desires to perform idealised constructions of masculinity. Although a minority viewed the potential challenge posed to their masculinity as insignificant in the wider context of terminality and mortality, the majority considered these factors as fundamental in shaping their experience of disease and influential in making a treatment decision. It is argued that gaining a better understanding of the influence of cultural codes of masculinity on experiences of disease and treatment processes is essential for maximising the quality of care provided to men with prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]