Maintaining masculinity: Moral positioning when accounting for prostate cancer illness

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Health and Illness
• Men's Health
• Chronic Illness Studies

Background:

• Prostate cancer is increasingly viewed as a chronic illness rather than an acute condition.
• Older men's masculinities may be significantly disrupted by the experience of chronic illness.
• Understanding these disruptions is crucial for patient support and healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of men treated for prostate cancer.
• To examine how chronic illness impacts older men's sense of masculinity.
• To identify how men maintain their masculinity in the context of illness.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews were conducted with 29 men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
• Participants were recruited from prostate cancer support groups.
• Analysis drew on theories of masculinity and chronic illness experience.

Main Results:

• Men reported concerns about loss of moral status due to treatment side effects.
• Four distinct forms of moral positioning were identified in men's accounts.
• These positions align with models of masculinity and health.

Conclusions:

• Chronic illness, like prostate cancer, interacts complexly with masculinity.
• Men utilize specific moral strategies to maintain their sense of self and masculinity.
• Findings offer insights into supporting older men with chronic health conditions.