Prostate cancer support group creates space for men’s health conversations

For many men, talking about health and their well-being is not something they were raised to do. “Toughing it out,” “pushing through” or downplaying symptoms is common among men.

Whether it's putting off a doctor's appointment or avoiding difficult health conversations, studies show men are less likely to seek preventive care and more likely to delay addressing health concerns, increasing their risk for serious illness and poorer outcomes. This is especially true when it comes to prostate health.

“I can kick myself now that I didn’t think I would have prostate cancer, and so I thought [my PSA] would hang around 4 or 5, and it wasn’t going to be a big deal. When I waited too long, and they found one sample that was higher, I had to go on hormone therapy, and I really would have liked not to go on hormone therapy,” said Marty, a participant of the Prostate Cancer Support Group at Ascension Mayfair Road in Wauwatosa.

The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month, and welcomes about 10-20 men at every stage of the prostate cancer journey who receive treatment at any healthcare organization. Spouses are welcome to attend, the group is free and registration is not required. Each meeting is co-facilitated by a licensed social worker and a nurse navigator, providing both emotional support and clinical expertise.

Finding support through shared experience

During the support group, men currently receiving treatment sit alongside survivors, creating an environment of openness and a safe space for sharing experiences that often feel taboo to talk about. For someone facing a new diagnosis or who has recently undergone surgery, hearing directly from another man who's walked the same path can provide reassurance that no brochure or website can match.

“Prostate cancer is not a death sentence; it’s a way of life, actually. Once you find out you have prostate cancer, you have to have it taken care of through some method of medication or surgery. Whatever is best for you, you and your oncologist have to make a decision,” said John, another member of the Prostate Cancer Support Group.  

Together, the facilitators help participants navigate the emotional aspects as well as questions about treatments, managing side effects and ongoing care.

"Some days we talk about topics such as incontinence and sexual health," said Leanne Walz, a social worker at Ascension Wisconsin and the group’s facilitator. "Those are some pretty personal topics, but it's actually what people really want to hear when they're going through prostate cancer. To come to a place where people are willing to talk about even the hard stuff is very much needed."

“The value of having the dyad of a social worker and the nurse navigator is also a really great thing that’s so valuable in this particular group."

Fostering better men’s health

The meetings also share resources and feature guest speakers throughout the year, including dietitians, pelvic floor therapists, pharmacists, urologists and oncology physicians. These sessions provide participants with practical information to improve quality of life during and after treatment.

The group discussion helps normalize talking about health experiences, breaking down the stigma that can keep men isolated. Participants also discuss family health history, managing anxiety before scans and lab work, maintaining overall wellness and coping with the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis.

Improving men's health outcomes extends beyond just encouraging screenings or healthier habits. Creating spaces where honest conversations can happen is another vital aspect. For the men who gather each month through the Prostate Cancer Support Group, those conversations foster education and hope. Most importantly, they mean no man has to face prostate cancer alone.