Resumo

RIVERO, Alicia  e  BERRIOS, Reinaldo. Prostate cancer and the social construction of masculinity in Puerto Rico. Psicol. Conoc. Soc. [online]. 2016, vol.6, n.1, pp.164-190. ISSN 1688-7026.

The prevalence of prostate cancer among Puerto Ricans compares with worldwide tendencies regarding incidence and mortality rates. With frequency it is not diagnosed in time due to male reticence to be examined by a proctologist thus placing them at risk. Those who decide to be examined and are diagnosed must undergo treatments with secondary effects that impact not only their physical but their mental health as well. In this work results of a broader Phenomenological study with couples where the spouse had prostate cancer are presented. We discuss the social construction of masculinity and its impact on the diagnosis, and on the reactions to secondary effects of prostate cancer. We found: a) a resistance to the prostate cancer detection exam due to machismo and fear of impotence, b) lack of orientation from health professionals on how to deal with secondary effects of treatment such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction, c) lack of attention to men’s concept of masculinity which constitutes a risk to their health and puts them in a place of emotional vulnerability. Recommendations for health practitioners are offered.

Palavras-chave : Prostate cancer; Incontinence; Erectile dysfunction; Social construction of masculinity.

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