Masculinity and Cancer Survivorship: A Systematic Review

Masculinity has been identified as a potential influence on psychological and physical health outcomes among male cancer survivors. This systematic review synthesized quantitative research examining associations between masculinity-related constructs and survivorship outcomes, including mental health, physical functioning, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

A systematic search of PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed was conducted through March 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they quantitatively assessed masculinity-related variables in male cancer survivors and reported associations with HRQoL, mental health, or physical health outcomes. Study quality was assessed and a narrative synthesis was conducted.

Thirty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Traditional masculine norms (e.g., self-reliance, dominance, stoicism) and cancer-related masculine threat were consistently associated with poorer mental health, lower HRQoL, and greater symptom burden. In contrast, masculine self-esteem, a positive appraisal of one's masculinity post-cancer, was linked to better psychosocial outcomes and HRQoL across samples. Most studies were cross-sectional and focused on prostate cancer survivors, often lacking demographic diversity.

Masculinity-related constructs are meaningfully associated with cancer survivorship outcomes. Future work should prioritize longitudinal designs, cultural diversity, and clinical translation to develop gender-sensitive interventions targeting masculine identity disruption and promoting adaptive self-concepts.