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Body image, self-esteem and masculinity.

User
Posted 21 Nov 2025 at 10:19

An interesting read on how PCa can affect us.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8881246/

Body image, self-esteem, and masculinity are three interconnected constructs in men with prostate cancer, with profound effects on quality of life. This meta-synthesis aimed to evaluate all known qualitative studies published studying the effect of prostate cancer on these constructs.

Whilst reading it, I lost count of the times, I thought to myself, I feel like that.

Edited by member 21 Nov 2025 at 10:26  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 21 Nov 2025 at 10:19

An interesting read on how PCa can affect us.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8881246/

Body image, self-esteem, and masculinity are three interconnected constructs in men with prostate cancer, with profound effects on quality of life. This meta-synthesis aimed to evaluate all known qualitative studies published studying the effect of prostate cancer on these constructs.

Whilst reading it, I lost count of the times, I thought to myself, I feel like that.

Edited by member 21 Nov 2025 at 10:26  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 21 Nov 2025 at 16:32

I can see where they're coming from. For me it's about losing things and having to accept that.

No testosterone - less strength and stamina. No libedo (perhaps a blessing as your body stops working in that department)

Carefree existence - with advanced prostate cancer you know you're on borrowed time and can no longer think of yourself as invincible 

Body image - you're going to put on weight. The trick is not too much to minimise the moobs!

Clothing - now chosen for its ability to wick sweat from hot flushes rather than for any style

Travel - limiting your ambitions due to insurance costs, or fear of getting ill in a developing country. Luckily for me I have always hated airports so it's not a huge problem. However, for each trip you think, is it worth it; am I going to be well enough?

People's image of you - not expecting you to be able to do something, or starting every conversation with a surprised - you look so well!

Masculinity isn't really an issue if you're in a loving relationship. It doesn't matter if sex has gone in this case- you still have each other. You just have to adapt to the new you and try to get on with it.  In my case the use of a lot of dark humour has helped me deal with others.

User
Posted 22 Nov 2025 at 15:35

I made the foolish mistake of posting without copying it to the clipboard and it was lost to a 502 error.

The gist of it was since my op I've not been particularly bothered mentally, although I know some are more bothered about things not bothering me.  However if I ever go onto hormones and my breasts grow it will effect my self image and I'll do a lot to avoid it.

A physio told me to reduce my exercise due to an osteoporsis diagnosis and I gave him the impression he must be joking.  He said these things happen, he'd been a professional footballer and club physio but he could no longer play football due to an injury. The solution is to work within your capability so I need to adapt.  Which I have, slower longer.

User
Posted 23 Nov 2025 at 18:16
Despite ever increasing PSA after the operation, now at 0.09 and resigned to it being above 0.2 soon. My main issues are when I stop and think about the slippery slope. The great thing is people avoid talking about the cancer and that helps a lot to help me to not think about it.

My body image was poor before PC and hasn't changed that much! I am so glad to have a wonderful wife, as I doubt I would have the self belief to look for love if I was alone. That goes for the self esteem as well, but I do try to build myself up on the basis that I have got this far through PC.

Thanks to my gorgeous wife my masculinity is just fine!

User
Posted 25 Nov 2025 at 03:06
I'm so grateful to you guys for posting this. When your life partner is diagnosed with advanced disease, it really changes perspective to making the time we have left together the best it can possibly be. I think my wonderful husband has gained control in the ways stated by the paper, so I can only guess some of what goes on in his mind. This forum helps a lot, I'm so impressed by your journeys, bravery, and generosity helping others on here. Strength be with you, and thank you for giving me strength with these perspectives.
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User
Posted 21 Nov 2025 at 16:32

I can see where they're coming from. For me it's about losing things and having to accept that.

No testosterone - less strength and stamina. No libedo (perhaps a blessing as your body stops working in that department)

Carefree existence - with advanced prostate cancer you know you're on borrowed time and can no longer think of yourself as invincible 

Body image - you're going to put on weight. The trick is not too much to minimise the moobs!

Clothing - now chosen for its ability to wick sweat from hot flushes rather than for any style

Travel - limiting your ambitions due to insurance costs, or fear of getting ill in a developing country. Luckily for me I have always hated airports so it's not a huge problem. However, for each trip you think, is it worth it; am I going to be well enough?

People's image of you - not expecting you to be able to do something, or starting every conversation with a surprised - you look so well!

Masculinity isn't really an issue if you're in a loving relationship. It doesn't matter if sex has gone in this case- you still have each other. You just have to adapt to the new you and try to get on with it.  In my case the use of a lot of dark humour has helped me deal with others.

User
Posted 22 Nov 2025 at 15:35

I made the foolish mistake of posting without copying it to the clipboard and it was lost to a 502 error.

The gist of it was since my op I've not been particularly bothered mentally, although I know some are more bothered about things not bothering me.  However if I ever go onto hormones and my breasts grow it will effect my self image and I'll do a lot to avoid it.

A physio told me to reduce my exercise due to an osteoporsis diagnosis and I gave him the impression he must be joking.  He said these things happen, he'd been a professional footballer and club physio but he could no longer play football due to an injury. The solution is to work within your capability so I need to adapt.  Which I have, slower longer.

User
Posted 23 Nov 2025 at 18:16
Despite ever increasing PSA after the operation, now at 0.09 and resigned to it being above 0.2 soon. My main issues are when I stop and think about the slippery slope. The great thing is people avoid talking about the cancer and that helps a lot to help me to not think about it.

My body image was poor before PC and hasn't changed that much! I am so glad to have a wonderful wife, as I doubt I would have the self belief to look for love if I was alone. That goes for the self esteem as well, but I do try to build myself up on the basis that I have got this far through PC.

Thanks to my gorgeous wife my masculinity is just fine!

User
Posted 25 Nov 2025 at 03:06
I'm so grateful to you guys for posting this. When your life partner is diagnosed with advanced disease, it really changes perspective to making the time we have left together the best it can possibly be. I think my wonderful husband has gained control in the ways stated by the paper, so I can only guess some of what goes on in his mind. This forum helps a lot, I'm so impressed by your journeys, bravery, and generosity helping others on here. Strength be with you, and thank you for giving me strength with these perspectives.
 
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