Aims
This study aimed to explore the impact of emotions such as love, hope and faith on prostate cancer survivors and their partners. Men’s experience of recovery from the treatment for prostate cancer has been extensively researched, with reports highlighting the side effects of erectile dysfunction, incontinence as well as the fear of cancer recurrence. However, the stories of men who develop psychosocial gains and emotional strength are rarely recognised.
Methods
A secondary thematic analysis of data collected by the researchers in a series of separate but related qualitative studies was conducted to explore the emotional impact of prostate cancer survivorship.
Results
In this study it was found emotive concepts of love, hope and faith were important cornerstones in prostate cancer survivor’s psycho-social well-being. Analysis revealed men’s understanding of love, hope and faith changed as they progressed from diagnosis and initial treatment, into long term survivorship.
Men with partners were free and effusive in describing the significance of the love, care and compassion provided by their partners and families. These emotions were linked to men’s decisions making regarding treatment, and resilience with negative treatment outcomes. Participants in this study identified inner peace, hope and optimism as being an important part of their health related quality of life. Faith was interpreted as a personal journey that linked to sub-themes such as space (physical locations), their relationships, and as a means of re-establishing hope.
Conclusions
The challenge of surviving prostate cancer was not always a negative experience for men in this study. Survivorship could be a growing and healing process that allowed men to find peace and contentment that brought couples closer together. Asking questions about the love, hope and faith in men’s lives will go some way to providing a more comprehensive understanding of the supportive care needs of these men.