(Dis)embodying gender and sexuality in testicular cancer (original) (raw)
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Prostate cancer: embodied experience and perceptions of masculinity
Sociology of Health & Illness, 2002
While some argue that gender differences, which refer to the social classification into 'masculine' and 'feminine', have their source in 'culture', others argue there is no need to have an absolute dichotomy between culture and nature, or between constructionist and anti-constructionist epistemologies. Although there has been much theorising about the body, until recently little attention has been paid to empirical evidence. This paper looks at the way in which prostate cancer and its treatment affects men's bodies, their roles and sense of masculinity. Interviews were conducted with 52 men, exploring their experiences of prostate cancer. Findings suggest that many men are reluctant to consult their doctors, because 'men don't cry', thus reinforcing the notion that 'masculinity' is a social construction. However, while the illness and the side effects of surgical and radiotherapy treatments sometimes led to impotence and incontinence, the treatments that involved hormones were reported to have an additional, sometimes profound effect on libido, energy, ability to work, body shape and competitiveness. These side effects reduced some men's sense of masculinity. We conclude that the physical body as well as culture should be considered when trying to explain what it means to be masculine, and how illness may affect men's sense of masculinity.
Transitory masculinities in the context of being sick with prostate cancer
Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem
Objective: to interpret the meanings attributed by men with prostate cancer to the experience regarding their bodies and masculinities during illness. Method: ethnographic research with 17 men, guided by the narrative method and theoretical framework of medical anthropology and masculinities. The information was collected through recorded interviews, direct observation and field diary records, which were analyzed by inductive thematic analysis. Results: men undergo body and identity transformations when they get sick with prostate cancer, transiting through multiple masculinities, resigning their actions, and occupying subordinate positions in relation to other healthy bodies, which are marginalized in their social relationships and allied with regard to establishing their affective relationships. Conclusion: this evidence enhances and deepens the knowledge disclosed in the literature and contributes to the strengthening of nursing care actions when dealing with the sick.
Prostate Cancer and the Social Construction of Masculine Sexual Identity
Perhaps no other disease illustrates the social construction of masculine identity more vividly than prostate cancer, an illness whose common symptoms and treatment effects (for example, erectile dysfunction and incontinence) leave men with a diminished sense of agency over their bodies. This loss of agency reveals the ways in which societal norms regarding appropriate masculine sexual behavior and identity are cultural creations, not biological absolutes. Recalling prior studies of prostate cancer narratives and studies of prostate cancer support groups, this article inquires not only into dominant constructions of sexuality, but also into the possibilities of redefining sexuality and masculinity among prostate cancer survivors.
Hegemonic Masculinity and the Experience of Prostate Cancer: A Narrative Approach
Journal of Aging and Identity, 2002
Prostate cancer is a major health problem—one that inevitably challenges men's notions about themselves and their expressions of masculinity. As part of a larger study investigating linkages between masculinity and prostate cancer, this article focuses on the narratives of three men with prostate cancer—all of whom shed light on contemporary forms of hegemonic masculinity. Multiple interviews were conducted with study participants, capturing experiencesboth prior to and following cancer diagnosis. Analysis of individual narratives showed how social factors such as work and family influenced (and were influenced by) men's experiences with illness. All three men were forced to renegotiate their performances of masculinity—with this renegotiation mostly occurring within the parameters of performance consistent with hegemonic masculinity. However, there was also some evidence of shifts into new socialterritory and new expressions of masculinity. In contrast to more traditional, trait-based approaches to studying men's experiences, a narrative approach allows social scientists to do justice to the temporal realities and contextual complexities of men's lives. Men will be better understood as more attention is paid to the actual shape of individual lives.
Men's experiences of sexuality after cancer: a material discursive intra-psychic approach
Culture, Health & Sexuality, 2013
Men can experience significant changes to their sexuality following the onset of cancer. However, research on men's sexuality post-cancer has focused almost exclusively on those with prostate and testicular cancer, despite evidence that the diagnosis and treatment for most cancers can impact on men's sexuality. This Australian qualitative study explores the experiences of changes to sexuality for 21 men across a range of cancer types and stages, sexual orientations and relationship contexts. Semi-structured interviews were analysed with theoretical thematic analysis guided by a material discursive intra-psychic approach, recognising the materiality of sexual changes, men's intrapsychic experience of such changes within a relational context and the influence of the discursive construction of masculine sexuality. Material changes included erectile difficulty, decreased desire, and difficulty with orgasm. The use of medical aids to minimise the impact of erectile difficulties was shaped by discursive constructions of 'normal' masculine sexuality. The majority of men reported accepting the changes to their sexuality post-cancer and normalised them as part of the natural ageing process. Men's relationship status and context played a key role managing the changes to their sexuality. We conclude by discussing the implications for clinical practice.
This thesis in Socio-Cultural Anthropology explores the way prostate cancer, as an illness experience, influences the masculinity and identity of survivors. It draws on theory from the subfield of Medical Anthropology and Masculinity Studies to demonstrate the complex relationship between gender, illness, and selfhood. Based on data collected during fieldwork in Montréal in 2012 and 2013, this research highlights the importance and strength of the narrative method in anthropological methodology, particularly when exploring issues related to illness and identity.
Masculinities of prostate cancer survivors: a qualitative metasynthesis
Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem
Objective: To identify the production of knowledge in the health literature about masculinities in the context of prostate cancer survivors and to analyze the implications of this relationship for the maintenance of health care. Method: Metasynthesis of 21 qualitative studies, performed in the LILACS, MEDLINE and CINAHL databases, with the scientific descriptors of DeCS and MeSH terms masculinity, prostate neoplasms. Results: Illness due to prostate cancer imposes numerous changes in male relationships, especially the non-dominance of the body and vulnerability to treatments and their consequences. The cultural values surrounding the disease and the hegemonic behaviors have implications for the health care of men. Conclusion: It has been shown that this relationship makes it difficult to communicate about the disease, marital relationships and family support, mainly influencing neglect of health. The knowledge produced is useful to promote the engagement of men in strengthening care.
Psycho-oncology, 2011
To examine adolescent and young adult (AYA) testicular cancer survivors' subjective understanding of the impact of cancer in adolescence and young adulthood, with a particular emphasis on romantic and sexual relationships. Twenty-one AYA testicular cancer survivors, aged 18 to 34 years, were recruited from outpatient testicular cancer follow-up clinics and completed a semi-structured qualitative interview that assessed the impact of testicular cancer on their romantic and sexual relationships. Four themes were identified that reflected survivors' understanding of the impact of cancer in adolescence and young adulthood: (1) embarrassment leads to delays in care-seeking, (2) testicular cancer makes you feel different from others, (3) being different from others makes you damaged goods, and (4) cancer disclosure is difficult. As these themes represent important components of being in a romantic/sexual relationship, either currently or in the future, AYA testicular cancer surviv...
Testicular cancer: addressing the psychosexual issues
British Journal of Nursing, 2009
Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in men aged 15-35 years and predominantly occurs at a time in a man's life when important decisions about marriage, starting a family and a professional career are being made. While treatments for testicular cancer are very successful, they can have a major impact on the person's sexuality and sense of self. The focus of this article is on exploring the impact of cancer treatments for testicular cancer on men's sexuality and how nurses can respond to their concerns in a sensitive and informed manner.