Background/significance:

The impact of prostate cancer and its treatment on quality of life is well documented. However investigation regarding outcomes in relation to sexual orientation has been overlooked until quite recently. Homosexual (gay) men are likely to be affected differently by prostate cancer from heterosexual (straight) men as there are major differences between the two groups in regard to sexuality, social relationships and relationships with the health care community.

Objectives:

To consider the experience of a diagnosis of prostate cancer in regard to self-identified gay men. The question for the review was: “How does the diagnosis of prostate cancer impact on the quality of life of gay men?”

Methods:

Papers or articles concerned with the impact of a diagnosis of prostate cancer on gay men were sourced using  PubMed, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Google Scholar.

Four papers were identified which fulfilled the criteria for inclusion into the systematic review. These papers were assessed to identify common themes.

Results:

Two qualitative studies and two quantitative studies were included. Thematic analysis identified sexual orientation as an important aspect for consideration suggesting that the diagnosis of prostate cancer impinges on the quality of life of gay men in a unique way. Effective communication within a hetero-normative medical system, overall health issues and relationship difficulties were all identified as problematic; while altered sexual functioning and gay identity were issues of particular concern for this group of men.

Conclusion:

Sexual orientation must be taken into account if the best possible outcomes are to be achieved following the diagnosis of prostate cancer. This review highlights the need for high quality studies concerning the impact of prostate cancer on the quality of life of gay men.