Prostate cancer patients sought by researcher for body image study

A researcher from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is seeking prostate cancer patients to take part in a new study.

Caterina Gentili, a PhD candidate from UWE Bristol's Centre for Appearance Research (CAR), is working on a series of studies focusing on prostate cancer, hormonal treatment, body image and exercise.

Her latest work will focus on prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy and exercise. She is aiming to recruit men aged between 35 and 75 who followed hormonal therapy at least once, and men who never followed hormonal therapy. Caterina is also seeking men who never received a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Participants will be asked to complete a 20-30 minute online survey.

The survey represents the second phase of an exploratory study Caterina started last year. She conducted interviews with 22 British prostate cancer patients, exploring hormonal treatment, body image issues and exercise. Those interviews revealed that one of the main challenges prostate cancer patients faced was the feeling of a feminised body, which sometimes threatened their male identity. However, all participants managed to cope positively with this challenging situation with the help and support from family, friends, and local charities. The study also revealed that exercise helped many of the patients to feel good about themselves and their bodies.

Caterina said: “The aim of the present online survey is to further investigate the interview findings and to explore how prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy, but also patients who never followed this treatment and men without prostate cancer, might feel around these topics. As a thank you, participants will be entered into a draw to win a £70 online shopping voucher.”

Volunteers can sign up to take part in the study. For more information, email Caterina2.Gentili@live.uwe.ac.uk.