Cancer-related masculine threat and behavioral symptoms in prostate cancer survivors

Abstract

Background Cancer-related masculine threat (CMT), or the extent to which men believe that cancer is inconsistent with their masculinity, exacerbates declines in prostate-related functioning following cancer treatment (Hoyt et al., 2016). Yet no study has sought to examine possible behavioral or immune pathways affecting health. The present study examined how CMT is related to sleep, fatigue, and markers of inflammation in prostate cancer survivors over time. Methods Men (N = 61; M age = 65.76, SD = 9.04) treated for localized prostate cancer in the preceding two years were enrolled in a study of “health-related quality of life.” Cancer-related masculine threat was assessed at study entry and sleep quality, fatigue, and markers of inflammation were measure 4 months later. Results Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to test for relationships over time. CMT was associated with more fatigue (B = 0.39, p = 0.019), worse sleep quality (B = 0.56. p = 0.002), and higher sTNFRII (B = 0.35, p = 0.047). CMT was not associated with CRP or IL-6). All analyses statistically controlled for participant age, BMI, and depressive symptoms (other biobehavioral variables were controlled by study design). Conclusion Aspects of masculinity and gender role, particularly those that are traditional and restrictive, are related to poorer physical and psychological outcomes in men with cancer. In men with prostate cancer, CMT might invoke unique physiological influence on physiology with potential negatively impact psychological and physical health.