How Is Prostate Cancer Different for Gay and Bisexual Men?

Gay & Bisexual Men Living with Prostate Cancer is a thoughtful, and comprehensive look at LGBTQ life with prostate cancer and its treatment. Though other studies and books on the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer are available, very few of them are aimed specifically at gay and bisexual men. In fact, data shows that the LGBTQ community has often been ignored and underrepresented in medical treatment studies and ended up being treated by practitioners who do not understand our unique needs. This is particularly true when it comes to prostate cancer.

Gay & Bisexual Men Living with Prostate Cancer offers a step by step overview of prostate cancer, from the research that is leading to new and more effective treatments to the practice of working with individual patients. The authors discuss symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in a way that is specifically aimed at the needs of gay, bisexual, and transgender people living with prostate cancer. Through a variety of personal anecdotes, in addition to research from prominent medical studies, the book paints a cutting edge portrait of what it means to have prostate cancer today. Gay & Bisexual Men Living with Prostate Cancer asks questions many are too afraid to ask in person like:

• How does prostate cancer affect my sex life?
• How can prostate cancer affect my appeal to others?
• How can I still feel attractive to others around me?

Though the authors don’t attempt to hide the fact that prostate cancer is a serious condition that can cause serious disruption in one’s life, their book will help those struggling with symptoms related to cancer and its treatment to find and value in themselves as they work to create a new and healthier life.

It is high time that we as a community acknowledge and attempt to better understand he emotional and psychical toll cancer can take on LGBTQ life and relationships. In taking and honest and personal approach to addressing this complex issue, Gay & Bisexual Men Living with Prostate Cancer is also making the argument for greater equality in all healthcare treatment when it comes to addressing the needs of the LGBTQ community.

Gay & Bisexual Men Living with Prostate Cancer (Harrington Press, $45.00) is written by Jane M Ussher, Janette Perz, and B.R. Simon Rosser.

If you are in need of an LGBTQ-friendly physician to help address issues related to the prostate, cancer, or other health concerns, check out our guide to finding a great doctor in the NYC area.