Exploring the efficacy of support groups for men with prostate cancer

For the 180,000 men who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, improvements in the disease's medical management have prolonged life expectancy. Long-standing treatment side effects include bowel and urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, which frequently are embarrassing and contribute to poor emotional well-being. Despite the popularity of support groups in alleviating emotional symptoms related to cancer and its treatment, few men participate in such groups. This article focuses on the reasons why men do not find support groups appealing and presents alternatives that may be more acceptable. Suggestions are made for clinical and research implications.