The social representations of men about prostate cancer

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to identify the social representations of men about prostate cancer and their masculinity against the disease, and analyze its implications for health. Method: This is an exploratory qualitative approach of case study which takes as input a conceptual Theory of Representations, performed with 10 subjects diagnosed with prostate cancer. Results: Through content analysis yielded the following thematic units: (Re) knowing the prostate; this problem called prostate and prostate cancer as a symbol of man's masculinity. Conclusion: The study provided evidence that prostate cancer is a disease that is directly related to how they perceive their consequences in the social context, which are responsible for providing moments of pain, sorrow, and to exchange experiences, especially health risks