A new patient-led study reveals that 60 per cent of prostate cancer patients find the sexual side-effects of their treatment worse than expected, highlighting a significant information gap in clinical care. According to the PRO-ACT (Patient-led Research On sexual experience After Cancer Treatment) survey, two-in-three men were not fully prepared for the impact of medical interventions on their sexual function.
PRO-ACT Survey Findings on Treatment Side-Effects
The PRO-ACT survey, led by radiation oncologist Professor Paul Kelly and patient co-chief investigator Martin Sweeney, aimed to evaluate how prostate cancer treatments affect intimacy, mental health, and overall quality of life. Results show that 60 per cent of respondents experienced sexual side-effects that were worse or much worse than anticipated. Furthermore, 66 per cent stated they were either underprepared or completely unprepared for these changes, with 40 per cent feeling specifically under-prepared regarding sexual function impacts.
Mr Sweeney, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015 and serves on Cancer Trials Ireland’s patient consultants committee, noted a critical deficit in communication. According to Mr Sweeney, essential services such as physical therapy, sexual therapy, and mental health support are frequently absent from the standard patient pathway. He stated that existing medical teams try their best but typically lack qualification in these specialized areas, leaving patients and partners to manage post-treatment challenges in isolation.
Impact on Intimate Partners and Communication Gaps
The survey also highlighted the often-overlooked perspective of patients’ partners. While 65 per cent of partners reported being present during clinical appointments where sexual function was discussed, 78 per cent stated that their own sexual wellbeing was never addressed by medical teams.
Despite these communication hurdles, 80 per cent of patients indicated that a longer or clearer discussion with their doctor or medical team would have significantly improved their preparedness. Mr Sweeney emphasized that as survival rates improve—with approximately 4,000 men diagnosed annually in Ireland and one-in-seven men affected in their lifetime—the medical community must shift its focus toward post-treatment quality of life and wraparound support services.
Funding and Future Outlook
The study was funded by the Irish Cancer Society and delivered under the guidance of Cancer Trials Ireland. Researchers and patient advocates stress that addressing these unmet needs requires a fundamental change of mindset in prostate cancer care, ensuring greater access to peer support, specialist care, and inclusive consultations that account for both patients and their partners.
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