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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
07:25
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
No less a man: reconstructing identity after prostate cancer
Barbara G Bokhour1, Lorrie L Powel, Jack A Clark
1ENRM Veterans Hospital, MA 01730, USA. bokhour@bu.edu
Communication & Medicine
|August 24, 2007
Summary
Men diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer often face an identity dilemma due to treatment side effects. They linguistically reconstruct their identities to maintain a sense of wholeness and masculinity.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Medical Humanities
- Qualitative Health Research
Background:
- Prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment significantly impact men's lives.
- Treatment side effects can lead to challenges in bodily, personal, and social integrity.
- Men grapple with an 'identity dilemma' following prostate cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how men linguistically construct their identities after undergoing treatment for early-stage prostate cancer.
- To examine the resolution of identity dilemmas faced by men living with prostate cancer consequences.
- To understand how men re-establish their sense of self and masculinity post-treatment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of interview narratives from men treated for early-stage prostate cancer.
- Application of theories of social languages and Discourses.
- Qualitative examination of linguistic identity construction.
Main Results:
- Men facing prostate cancer treatment consequences linguistically 're-collage' their identities.
- They draw upon alternative discourses to navigate challenges to their bodily and sexual functioning.
- Participants actively construct identities emphasizing wholeness, competence, and retained masculinity.
Conclusions:
- Men can successfully reconstruct their identities after prostate cancer treatment.
- Linguistic strategies are crucial for maintaining self-integrity and a positive male identity.
- The study highlights men's resilience in redefining themselves post-diagnosis and treatment.
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