Background:Studies have highlighted how advanced prostate cancer causes biographical
disruption and presents challenges to masculine identities for men. This
article draws on a wider study that focused on the experiences of men living
with advanced prostate cancer and their caregivers. Although men’s
experience of advanced illness is not overlooked in the literature, only a
small body of work has taken an in-depth look at men’s experiences with
advanced prostate cancer and their caregivers in a non-Westernised cultural
and social context.Objective:To explore how advanced prostate cancer impacts on men’s masculine identity
from the perspective of patients and their caregivers.Methods:A qualitative study of men living with advanced prostate cancer
(n= 23) and family caregivers
(n= 23) in Ghana. We used the Consolidated Criteria for
Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) as the reporting guideline.Results:The findings from this study highlight profound challenges for most men to
their masculine identities, from both the treatment and the symptoms of
advanced prostate cancer within a non-Westernised, patriarchal society. Four
main themes were developed. These were the impact on masculinity in terms
of: (1) physical changes, (2) sexual ability, (3) socio-economic roles and
(4) expressing emotions. Changes in physical appearance, feeling belittled,
having no active sexual life and the inability to continue acting as
provider and protector of the family made some men describe their situation
as one of moving out of the ‘frying pan into the fire’.Conclusion:This study revealed the impact of advanced prostate cancer on masculine
identity. These narratives add a new dimension to what is already known
about the impacts on men’s masculine identities when dealing with advanced
prostate cancer. This knowledge can help improve the care provided to men
with advanced prostate cancer with emphasis on the cultures, beliefs and
aspirations of these men and their caregivers.