According to research funded by the Irish Cancer Society, prostate cancer patients and their partners are unprepared for the impact of treatment on their sexual function, revealing a significant gap in patient pathways and supportive care.
PRO-ACT Survey Reveals Critical Gaps in Patient Pathways
Around 4,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Ireland each year, meaning about one in seven men will face the diagnosis in their lifetime, according to figures highlighted by the Irish Cancer Society. To understand the wider toll of the disease, the PRO-ACT (Patient-led Research On sexual experience After Cancer Treatment) survey polled 1,150 patients and partners. Led by radiation oncologist Prof Paul Kelly and patient consultant Martin Sweeney, the findings show that 60% of respondents found the impact of treatment on sexual function to be worse or much worse than anticipated.
The Deficit in Wraparound Services
Patients and their partners frequently suffer in silence due to missing rehabilitation infrastructure, according to Martin Sweeney, PRO-ACT co-chief investigator and a member of Cancer Trials Ireland’s patient consultants committee, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015. Sweeney stated that services such as physical therapy, sexual therapy, and mental health support are often not provided at all. While existing medical teams try their best, Sweeney noted that clinicians are typically not qualified in these specialized areas, creating an unrealistic expectation for them to address every supportive need.
Communication Gaps and Partner Wellbeing
While many patients reported that a longer or clearer discussion with their doctor or medical team would have helped them prepare for treatment side-effects (as reported by imt.ie, 80 per cent of patients said a longer or clearer discussion would have helped), partners faced an even starker exclusion. According to the data, a majority of partners were present at the appointment where sexual function was discussed (imt.ie notes 65 per cent were present), yet many stated that their own sexual wellbeing was never mentioned or addressed (imt.ie reports 78 per cent).
Did You Know? Although survival rates for low-grade, localized prostate cancer are improving as men live longer post-diagnosis, the Irish Cancer Society emphasizes that clinical focus must now expand to address long-term quality of life for survivors and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PRO-ACT survey?
The PRO-ACT (Patient-led Research On sexual experience After Cancer Treatment) survey is an Irish study funded by the Irish Cancer Society and delivered under the guidance of Cancer Trials Ireland, examining how prostate cancer treatment impacts intimacy, mental health, and quality of life.
How many men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Ireland annually?
Approximately 4,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Ireland each year, resulting in a lifetime risk of about one in seven men, according to data cited by the Irish Cancer Society.
What did the survey reveal about treatment side-effects?
The survey found that 60% of respondents felt the impact of treatment on sexual function was worse or much worse than expected.
Are partners included in treatment discussions?
While partners attended appointments where sexual function was discussed (imt.ie notes 65 per cent were present), many reported that their own sexual wellbeing was not addressed by medical teams, according to the survey findings (imt.ie notes 78 per cent).
To learn more about ongoing cancer research and support services, explore additional resources provided by the Irish Cancer Society.
Related reading