To discuss the risks that heteronormative assumptions play in prostate cancer care and how these may be addressed.
There is international evidence to support the case that LGBT cancer patients are less likely to report poor health or self-disclose sexual orientation. Gender-specific cancers, such as prostate cancer, require particular interventions in terms of supportive care. These may include advice about side-effect management (such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction), treatment choices and social and emotional issues. In this paper we discuss and analyse the heteronormative assumptions and culture that exist around this cancer. We argue that this situation may act as a barrier to effective supportive care for all LGBT patients, in this case MSM (men who have sex with men).
Theoretical exploration of heteronormativity considered against the clinical context of prostate cancer.
Identification and inclusion of relevant international evidence combined with clinical discussion.
This paper posits a number of questions around heteronormativity in relation to prostate cancer information provision, supportive care and male sexuality. Whilst assumptions regarding sexual orientation should be avoided in clinical encounters, this may be difficult when heteronormative assumptions dominate. Existing research supports the ascertain that patient experience, including the needs of LGBT patients, should be central to service developments.
Assumptions about sexual orientation should be avoided and recorded accurately and sensitively, and relational models of care should be promoted at the start of cancer treatment in an appropriate manner. These may assist in reducing the risks of embarrassment or offence to non-heterosexual patients, or to professionals who may adopt heteronormative assumptions.
Having an awareness of the risks of making heteronormative assumptions in clinical practice will be useful for all health professionals engaged in prostate cancer care. This awareness can prevent embarrassment or upset for patients and ensure a more equitable provision of service; including men with prostate cancer who do not identify as heterosexual. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Journal of clinical nursing. 2017 Apr 05 [Epub ahead of print]
Daniel Kelly, Dikaios Sakellariou, Sarah Fry, Sofia Vougioukalou
School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK., Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.