Supporting Prostate Cancer Survivors: The Urologist’s Role in Addressing Psychosocial Challenges

By Dr. David Samadi

Navigating life after a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can be as daunting as the disease itself. Whether a man undergoes surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy, or active surveillance, the road to recovery doesn’t end with being declared cancer-free. Survivorship comes with its own set of challenges, including fears of recurrence, emotional struggles, and physical side effects such as sexual dysfunction.

For urologists, one critical aspect of post-treatment care is ensuring that patients receive support for their overall well-being—not just their physical health. The first year after treatment is particularly crucial, offering a window of opportunity to address psychosocial concerns that can significantly impact a man’s quality of life.

The Emotional and Social Impact of Prostate Cancer Survivorship

Emerging research sheds light on the psychosocial challenges prostate cancer survivors face. A five-year study funded by the National Cancer Institute followed 431 men within one year of completing treatment. The findings revealed that many men, despite the relief of being cancer-free, felt unprepared to manage life post-treatment.

Key areas of concern included:

• Maintaining relationships.
• Managing job and financial responsibilities.
• Communicating effectively with healthcare providers.

The study also highlighted how socioeconomic factors like income, literacy levels, and race can shape a survivor’s confidence and coping ability.

• Higher income and health literacy were associated with greater self-assurance and better coping skills.
• Men with depression were more likely to experience poor interactions with their physicians and heightened anxiety about their health.
• Non-Hispanic Black men reported lower confidence during survivorship compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts.

These findings underscore the need for urologists to take a holistic approach, tailoring care to address each man’s unique circumstances and barriers.

The Urologist’s Role: A Holistic Approach to Survivorship

Urologists play a pivotal role in guiding men through the complexities of post-treatment life. Beyond addressing physical recovery, they must foster open communication to explore concerns about relationships, emotional health, and lingering side effects.

Here’s how urologists can better support their patients:

Create a Safe Space for Dialogue

Every patient’s journey is unique, and building trust is essential. Asking open-ended questions about a patient’s relationships, stress levels, and sexual health encourages candid discussions that can uncover unmet needs.

Address Mental Health Proactively

Depression affects approximately 20% of men following prostate cancer treatment, yet many suffer in silence. Urologists should initiate conversations about emotional well-being and, when necessary, connect patients with mental health professionals.

Provide Individualized Solutions

Survivorship care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether managing physical side effects, offering counseling resources, or addressing financial concerns, urologists should help patients access comprehensive support tailored to their circumstances.

Advocate for Equity in Care

Men from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds often face disparities in survivorship care. Urologists must strive to ensure that all patients—regardless of income, education, or race—receive the resources and guidance they need to thrive post-treatment.

The Goal: Thriving, Not Just Surviving

Prostate cancer survivorship is about more than beating the disease; it’s about empowering men to reclaim their lives with confidence and dignity. By addressing the psychosocial aspects of recovery, urologists have a significant impact regarding their patients’ long-term well-being.

When survivorship care prioritizes mental, emotional, and physical health, it exemplifies the best in healthcare—helping men live cancer-free, well-supported, and fulfilling lives for years to come.

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board-certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of Prostate Cancer, Now What? and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncolo gy and prostate cancer 911.