Many men with prostate cancer have poor mental health. We need to support them better

Despite high survival rates – around 96% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer will survive for at least five years – prostate cancer can significantly affect mens’ mental wellbeing.

This can apply through all stages of the illness, including diagnosis, treatment and follow up.

Rates of anxiety, depression and suicide are higher among men with prostate cancer than in the general population.

In our recent study, we wanted to understand the scale and timing of mental health issues among men with prostate cancer. Our findings suggest we need to offer them more support, sooner.