Do gay guys get prostate cancer
When it comes to prostate cancer, 'gay men are erased,' patients say
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent invasive cancer among men, affecting nearly one in eight at some signal in their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But the unique challenges facing same-sex attracted and bisexual men with prostate cancer have largely gone unaddressed.
Men who acquire sex with men (MSM) are less likely to get regular prostate cancer screenings, and those who are diagnosed are less likely to have familial and social support, according to research cited by the National Institutes of Health. And if their health care provider is not culturally competent, same-sex attracted and bisexual men are much less likely to understand how treatment will impact their quality of life.
"Those in large metropolitan areas may have the option of searching for an LGBT-welcoming provider, but most Americans don’t possess a choice about who treats them."
“Many LGBT people enter their cancer treatment wary,” Liz Margolies of the National LGBT Cancer Network told NBC News. “Those in large metropolitan areas may have the option of searching for an LGBT-welcoming provider, but most Americans don’t hold a choic
According to a study presented at the American Urological Association’s (AUA) annual conference in May, gay men treated for prostate cancer have a lower quality-of-life after treatment than the population of prostate cancer patients as a whole. The study, which is the first to measure the impact of prostate cancer on gay men, relied on previously published data from a general population of men treated for the disease as a point of comparison.
Through an Internet-based survey, 92 gay men from the United States and Canada answered questions relating to urinary, bowel, and hormone symptoms. Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, they reported worse physical and mental health functioning, poorer sexual and ejaculatory function, and a greater fear that their cancer would return.
“This is one of the early studies demonstrating that quality of life is more significantly impacted by prostate cancer in the gay population,” said Dr. Tomas Griebling, the AUA spokesman who moderated the press briefing.
Literature on this topic is limited; additional research may help resolve why gay men life the effects of prostate cancer treatment more acutely than straight men. Of note, thes
What Pride Means for the LGBTQ Prostate Cancer Community
June is Men’s Health Month: a time to heighten awareness and encourage premature detection of prostate cancer and other diseases that predominantly affect men. June also marks Pride Month, when we commemorate the Stonewall Riots and honor the visibility, bravery, and activism of the LGBTQ community. In honor of both, ZERO recognizes the unique experiences of queer men, bisexual men, trans women, and non-binary individuals when faced with a prostate cancer diagnosis, and we’re here to provide a support network and various life-saving resources.
“Being homosexual is part of my identity, but it doesn’t define who I am, just as prostate cancer doesn’t define who I am,” said ZERO Mentor Chris Hartley. “However — and there’s a enormous however — as a gay man, specifically, my thoughts about prostate cancer and manhood are likely very different than my straight prostate cancer brothers.”
Chris Hartley pictured left.
Sexuality and sexual orientation has no bearing on the exposure of developing prostate cancer. Anyone with a prostate is at risk of having prostate cancer in their lifetimes, and neither oral nor anal sex have been pr
Support for the LGBTQIA+ Collective with Prostate Cancer
Although prostate cancer is often described as a male cancer (including on this website), the reality is that anyone who was born with a prostate can develop prostate cancer. We’re still learning about the impact that transitional hormones and gender-confirming surgery can have on the peril of prostate cancer. If you have a healer you trust, that is the best person to talk to about your specific risk. Prostate Cancer Canada also has a very detailed and well-cited page about the effects of gender-confirming surgery and transitional hormones on prostate cancer risk, screening, and diagnosis for trans women.
It can be emotionally complicated to have a male-associated cancer as someone who does not identify as male, especially since most prostate cancer support groups and resources are targeted at men. Consider building a support network of friends, family, or counselors with whom you sense comfortable discussing your prostate cancer diagnosis. MaleCare can also connect you with social workers who can help you. Additionally, Prostate Cancer UK is trialing an online support organization for trans women.
Although we often use male terms
.