Managing Prostate Cancer: A Guide for Living Better

Men, generally, have a different emotional makeup from women. To what extent this is biological vs. cultural remains controversial, but some research suggests a bidirectional relationship of influence. These emotional differences shape how men approach their health and respond to illness, particularly a life-threatening cancer. To make matters worse, prostate cancer and its treatment jeopardizes male sexual performance, which is often an important factor in how men define their masculinity. Roth (clinical professor & attending psychiatrist, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Ctr.), who treats the emotional needs of prostate cancer patients, here shares his advice on a variety of subjects: accepting a dangerous disease; selecting the best treatment plan; sexual intimacy; dealing with anxiety, depression, and sleep problems and when to use medications for these; and more. Roth demonstrates just how important one's emotional life is in battling cancer. He provides a road map for patients, bringing clarity during an emotionally confusing time, while at the same time simplifying the decision process and providing strategies to cope.