The initial impact of treatments for men with prostate cancer is well reported in the literature. Less is known about the emotional needs of these men as their journey after diagnosis and treatment continues into the months and years. Previous research by the author investigating providing an insight into the needs of men living with prostate cancer, and views of partners of prostate cancer survivors. Fear, distress, loss, regret, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, changes in sexuality, masculinity, and relationships were described by both men and partners as adverse effects of the diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer.
A scoping methodology was used to review literature from January 2000 to March 2019 to further explore the emotional supportive care needs of prostate cancer survivors. Whilst there is some literature regarding negative emotional experiences such as fear, grief and regret in prostate cancer survivors, vulnerability, isolation and loneliness are not well understood. There is scant literature that investigates the role of positive emotions such as love, hope and joy and the role they play in helping men become resilient and cope with prostate cancer. Positive emotions may help men become more resilient. Preliminary findings suggest that wives and partners of men with prostate cancer can provide nurses and healthcare authorities with a powerful and unique resource in providing supportive care for men who are challenged by prostate cancer.