Providing psychosocial and psychosexual support to patients diagnosed with prostate cancer

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed solid organ cancer in Australian men. Though survivorship rate is high for those diagnosed, quality of life is often significantly affected. Current literature suggests that general practitioners caring for men with prostate cancer often focus on regaining biological function and capacity, neglecting psycho-social-sexual factors. This literature review will provide an overview of prostate cancer and treatment pathways. It will also explore the impacts of prostate cancer through a biopsychosocial lens. It highlights the barriers that general practitioners face in relation to psycho-social-sexual concerns and why they need to consider utilising a biopsychosocial model of care.