Biopsychosocial aspects of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer early detection choices and treatment options are fraught w ith controversy. To update the consultation-liaison psychiatrist who works with at-risk men, the authors reviewed all pertinent citations in the medic ine database from 1966 to 1998 and in other relevant publications. Though w atchful waiting for early-stage prostate cancer has no side effects, men mu st cope psychologically with issues of long-term cancer survivorship. Men c an choose between different treatment options (e.g., radiation vs. radical prostatectomy) with early detection. Urinary incontinence, sexual dysfuncti on, and fatigue are major emotional and physical stressors for this populat ion. Consultation-liaison psychiatrists and physicians need to be aware of the psychosocial sequelae of both prostate cancer and treatment-related sid e effects.