Including partners into the diagnosis of prostate cancer: a review of the literature to provide a model of care.

Prostate cancer is diagnosed in 220,900 men per year and 28,900 died from the disease in 2003 (American Cancer Society, 2003). It is a serious illness that affects the patient, as well as his partner, spouse, or significant other. In addition to the initial diagnosis of cancer, many of the treatment options for prostate cancer can lead to issues that affect a couple and their relationship. Such issues include sexual dysfunction, incontinence, loss of self-esteem, depression, the possibility of death, and various other emotional, physical, and experiential responses. It is important for health care providers to understand the perceptions of patients' loved ones, as they are likely the most supportive individuals available to the patients. A model of care based on the review of literature and designed specifically to highlight issues for the partners of prostate cancer patients is presented.