Embodied masculinity and androgen deprivation therapy.

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Health and Illness
• Medical Sociology
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a common treatment for advanced prostate cancer.
• ADT significantly reduces testosterone levels, potentially impacting patients' physical and psychological well-being.
• Masculinity is understood as a social construct that can be influenced by health conditions and treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of Anglo-Australian men undergoing ADT for advanced prostate cancer.
• To analyze how reduced testosterone levels associated with ADT affect embodied masculinity.
• To examine the interplay between reformulated masculine ideals and the resolve to combat prostate cancer.

Main Methods:

• Ethnographic study involving 16 Anglo-Australian men.
• Social constructionist gendered analysis of participants' experiences.
• Qualitative data collection and interpretation focusing on embodied masculinity and ADT's effects.

Main Results:

• Participants reformulated ideals of hegemonic masculinity in response to ADT-induced bodily changes.
• Despite physical changes, traditional masculine notions of 'fighting' cancer persisted.
• The study highlights the complex negotiation of gender identity during cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

• Masculinity is socially constructed and adaptable, yet deeply ingrained masculine ideals influence health-related behaviors and attitudes.
• ADT's impact on prostate cancer patients involves a dynamic interplay between biological changes and social/gendered expectations.
• Findings contribute to ongoing debates on sex essentialism versus gender social construction in medical contexts.