Psychosocial Oncology Supports for Men: A Scoping Review and Recommendations

Am J Mens Health. 2016 Jan;10(1):39-58. doi: 10.1177/1557988314555361. Epub 2014 Nov 11.

Abstract

Although men's cancer experiences have received limited attention within the field of psychosocial oncology, increasing attention is being devoted to the development and evaluation of men-centered programs. This scoping review describes this emergent body of literature, detailing the focus, participation, and impact of interventions designed to help men with cancer build illness-specific knowledge, adapt to illness, manage side effects, distress, and uncertainty, sustain relationships, and more. Striving to build on existing knowledge, research gaps and opportunities are discussed, including a need for stronger methodologies, more tailored and targeted supports, attention to the experiences of men with nonprostate cancers, and the explicit integration of gender analyses in the research process.

Keywords: gender; masculinity; men’s health programs; oncology/cancer; psychosocial oncology; review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Scoping Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Masculinity
  • Men's Health*
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Social Support*