Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with about one in eight men being diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lives.

Despite this, many men continue to have phobias about prostate cancer, which can have a damaging effect on their prognosis. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the common phobias men have about prostate cancer and what they can do to overcome them.

Phobia #1: Fear of the Rectal Exam

One of the biggest phobias men have about prostate cancer is the fear of the rectal exam.

Many men are embarrassed or uncomfortable with the idea of having a digital rectal exam (DRE), which involves the insertion of a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland for any lumps or abnormalities.

However, the rectal exam remains one of the most important tests for detecting prostate cancer early.

Some studies show that the rectal exam, when combined with the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, can increase the detection rate of prostate cancer to over 90 percent. Men who avoid this important test may be putting themselves at risk for a delayed diagnosis and a poorer prognosis.

To overcome this phobia, men should speak openly with their doctor about their concerns. A good physician will be understanding and take steps to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

In some cases, sedation or anesthesia may be an option, although this is typically reserved for men with severe anxiety or other medical issues.

Phobia #2: Fear of Incontinence or Impotence Following Treatment

Another common phobia men have about prostate cancer is the fear of incontinence or impotence following treatment.

These are both potential side effects of prostate cancer treatment, such as surgery or radiation therapy, and can be understandably concerning for many men.

While these side effects are certainly possible, they are not inevitable. Advances in treatment techniques and technology have greatly reduced the risk of incontinence and impotence following prostate cancer treatment.

Additionally, there are many treatment options available today, including newer treatments like proton therapy and HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound), which have lower rates of urinary and sexual side effects.

The key to overcoming this phobia is to become informed about all of the available treatment options and their potential side effects. Men should discuss these options in detail with their healthcare provider and seek out second opinions if necessary.

Phobia #3: Fear of a Painful or Invasive Biopsy

Many men also have a phobia about the biopsy procedure, which involves the removal of a small tissue sample from the prostate gland for laboratory analysis.

Some men are concerned about the potential pain or discomfort associated with the biopsy, while others are worried about the invasiveness of the procedure.

Fortunately, biopsies are well-tolerated by most men and are not typically very painful. In fact, most men report only mild discomfort during the procedure, which typically lasts no more than a few minutes.

The procedure is also minimally invasive, with most biopsies now performed using ultrasound guidance through the rectum, which eliminates the need for an incision.

To overcome this phobia, men should speak with their healthcare provider about the biopsy procedure and what they can expect. Medications may also be available to help reduce anxiety and discomfort during the procedure.

Phobia #4: Fear of the Unknown

Finally, many men have a general fear of the unknown when it comes to prostate cancer. They may be uncertain about what to expect from treatment, how the disease will progress, or what their prognosis might be.

This fear can be mitigated through education and information. Men should seek out reliable sources of information on prostate cancer, such as the American Cancer Society or the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

They should also work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan and prognosis based on their individual needs and circumstances.

Conclusion

Phobias about prostate cancer can have a significant impact on a man’s prognosis, as they may discourage him from getting the care he needs or cause undue stress and anxiety during the treatment process.

However, by addressing these phobias head-on and seeking out information and support, men can take control of their prostate cancer journey and increase their chances of a positive outcome.