Many men diagnosed with prostate cancer experience poor mental health. We need to support them better

Many Men Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer Experience Poor Mental Health: We Need to Support Them Better

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men, and each year, more than 24,000 Australian men are diagnosed with the disease. Despite having high survival rates, men with prostate cancer are at a higher risk of developing poor mental health, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

What We Found

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Our recent study analyzed data from over 13,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in South Australia between 2012 and 2020. We found that the proportion of men using antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications rose from 34.5% five years before diagnosis to 40.3% five years after diagnosis. Additionally, mental health service use increased from 10.2% to 12.1%. The most significant increase in the use of mental health services occurred around the time of prostate cancer diagnosis.

Men May Be Less Likely to Seek Help

Our research suggests that men with prostate cancer are less likely to seek help for mental health issues compared to women. In fact, a study found that only one-quarter of men would seek help from a mental health professional if they were experiencing personal or emotional problems. This reluctance to seek help may be due to stigma surrounding mental health, fear of being seen as weak, or limited availability of mental health services.

Early Intervention is Key

Given the trends in mental health service use and medication use that we observed in our study, men appear to be most vulnerable to psychological issues around the time of their prostate cancer diagnosis. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate mental health screening into routine prostate cancer diagnosis processes. Early identification of mental health issues is crucial to pave the way for timely interventions and support, which can significantly improve mental wellbeing.

What We Need to Do

To address the mental health needs of men with prostate cancer, we must improve access to mental health care. This can be achieved by increasing the annual sessions of Medicare-subsidised mental health services, offering more access to GP mental health plans, and expanding counselling services offered by organizations such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the Cancer Council. Additionally, telehealth services must be expanded to provide an option for patients who may face barriers to accessing mental health services in person.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is a significant health issue for many men, and it is essential that we acknowledge the impact it has on their mental wellbeing. By providing early intervention and support, we can improve the mental health outcomes of men with prostate cancer and enhance their overall quality of life.

FAQs

Q: How common is prostate cancer among men?
A: Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men, with over 24,000 Australian men diagnosed each year.

Q: What are the mental health risks for men with prostate cancer?
A: Men with prostate cancer are at a higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Q: Why are men less likely to seek help for mental health issues?
A: Men may be less likely to seek help for mental health issues due to stigma surrounding mental health, fear of being seen as weak, or limited availability of mental health services.

Q: How can we improve mental health care for men with prostate cancer?
A: We can improve mental health care for men with prostate cancer by increasing access to Medicare-subsidised mental health services, offering more access to GP mental health plans, and expanding counselling services offered by organizations such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the Cancer Council.