Impact of Cancer on Male Emotional Well-being
In a world where cancer survivors often grapple with feelings of pride, anger, shame, or depression, preventing them from seeking help, the need for support groups specifically tailored for male cancer survivors becomes increasingly evident. Trevor Maxwell, a cancer survivor himself, has taken the initiative to address this gap, founding the group Man Up to Cancer.
Maxwell, a man who hails from generations of Maine loggers, lost his strength and independence to Stage 4 colon cancer. His story underscores the devastating impact cancer can have on a man's sense of self and independence, even in those from traditionally resilient backgrounds.
James Hu, an oncologist at the University of Southern California, observes that male patients often come alone to appointments and leave quickly, which could be indicative of a lack of emotional support and a reluctance to share their struggles. This observation aligns with Maxwell's experiences, as he found himself feeling too proud to ask for help.
The risk of suicide among cancer survivors remains high years after treatment, according to Hu. This is a concerning trend, especially among men under 40, who are at the highest risk of suicide among cancer survivors.
Benjamin Stein-Lobovits, another cancer survivor, can relate to this struggle. Diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer on the eve of his 32nd birthday, Stein-Lobovits spent a year sobbing and immobilized by loss and fear. He emphasizes that it's OK to be scared and vocal about being scared as a cancer survivor.
Stein-Lobovits understands the challenges he faces as a cancer survivor and parent, feeling guilty when he forgets appointments or tasks that place extra burden on his wife. He gives up his Silicon Valley programming job and became a stay-at-home dad in Oakland.
Man Up to Cancer attracts male survivors, including those with traditionally masculine jobs, who are not afraid to express their emotions in the group. The group provides outreach, online groups, and retreats for male cancer survivors, aiming to create a culture change where men feel comfortable expressing their emotions and seeking support.
Research indicates that men tend to experience poorer emotional and physical outcomes after cancer compared to women due to a combination of biological differences, behavioral factors, and cultural influences that affect health behaviors and coping mechanisms. Biological vulnerabilities, such as higher incidence and mortality rates for certain cancers, and higher exposure to risk factors like smoking and occupational carcinogens, contribute to these disparities.
Cultural norms also play a significant role, as traditional masculine norms discourage men from acknowledging emotional struggles, leading to under-reporting of distress and delayed help-seeking. Men are more prone to health-risk behaviors such as smoking, poor diet, and lower physical activity, which negatively affect both cancer outcomes and general health.
Social determinants also differ by gender, but women often face structural barriers such as caregiving burdens and transportation issues impacting their health management. While men have poorer cancer outcomes, women face different but significant challenges.
Addressing these disparities requires gender-sensitive approaches that consider both biological differences and social/cultural influences. Men’s reluctance to seek help and higher engagement in risky behaviors contribute to worse cancer survivorship outcomes compared to women, who generally have better social support and health-seeking behavior.
Words of encouragement and support from others were something that Benjamin Stein-Lobovits once needed to hear during his own cancer journey. He now shares his message with male cancer patients in Oakland, encouraging them to express their fear and seek help. Through initiatives like Man Up to Cancer, the hope is that more men will find the support they need to overcome their struggles and thrive as cancer survivors.
[1] American Cancer Society. (2020). Cancer Facts & Figures 2020. Atlanta: American Cancer Society. [2] National Cancer Institute. (2019). Men and Cancer: Understanding the Impact. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health. [3] National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2020). Cancer in Men: Assessing and Addressing the Unique Needs. [4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Men's Health and Cancer Prevention and Control. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [5] American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2018). Cancer in Men: Prevention, Detection, Treatment, and Survivorship. Alexandria, VA: American Society of Clinical Oncology.
