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Heteronormativity and prostate cancer: a discursive paper

Kelly, Daniel ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1847-0655, Sakellariou, Dikaios ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2668-2834, Fry, Sarah and Vougioukalou, Sofia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0788-0373 2018. Heteronormativity and prostate cancer: a discursive paper. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 27 (1-2) , pp. 461-467. 10.1111/jocn.13844

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Abstract

Aims and objectives To discuss the risks that heteronormative assumptions play in prostate cancer care and how these may be addressed. Background There is international evidence to support the case that LGBT cancer patients are less likely to report poor health or self-disclose sexual orientation. Gender-specific cancers, such as prostate cancer, require particular interventions in terms of supportive care. These may include advice about side-effect management (such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction), treatment choices and social and emotional issues. In this paper we discuss and analyse the heteronormative assumptions and culture that exist around this cancer. We argue that this situation may act as a barrier to effective supportive care for all LGBT patients, in this case MSM (men who have sex with men). Design Theoretical exploration of heteronormativity considered against the clinical context of prostate cancer. Methods Identification and inclusion of relevant international evidence combined with clinical discussion. Results This paper posits a number of questions around heteronormativity in relation to prostate cancer information provision, supportive care and male sexuality. Whilst assumptions regarding sexual orientation should be avoided in clinical encounters, this may be difficult when heteronormative assumptions dominate. Existing research supports the assertion that patient experience, including the needs of LGBT patients, should be central to service developments. Conclusion Assumptions about sexual orientation should be avoided and recorded accurately and sensitively, and relational models of care should be promoted at the start of cancer treatment in an appropriate manner. These may assist in reducing the risks of embarrassment or offence to non-heterosexual patients, or to professionals who may adopt heteronormative assumptions. Relevance to clinical practice Having an awareness of the risks of making heteronormative assumptions in clinical practice will be useful for all health professionals engaged in prostate cancer care. This awareness can prevent embarrassment or upset for patients and ensure a more equitable provision of service; including men with prostate cancer who do not identify as heterosexual.

Item Type: Article
Date Type: Publication
Status: Published
Schools: Healthcare Sciences
Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
R Medicine > RT Nursing
Uncontrolled Keywords: sexuality; heteronormativity; cancer; nursing; prostate cancer; inequality; supportive care
Publisher: WileyBlackwell
ISSN: 0962-1067
Date of First Compliant Deposit: 2 May 2017
Date of Acceptance: 23 March 2017
Last Modified: 06 Dec 2023 16:46
URI: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/100262

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