Prostate Cancer Awareness in Queer Communities

We dive into prostate cancer screening, treatment, and lived experience through an LGBTIQA+ lens.

Jack and Rachel speak with Michael Cromer, a urology nurse practitioner at the Australian Prostate Centre, who breaks down what the prostate does, when to start testing, and how treatment side effects can impact continence and sexual function.

We also explore the unique barriers queer people face, from fear of outing to clinicians who don’t understand queer sex lives.

Jaco Erasmus also joins us to share his personal diagnosis story at 48 and discusses founding Prostate Pride, a peer support group for queer men navigating prostate cancer.

Chapters

00:52 – Why We’re Talking About Prostate Cancer

05:13 – What Is the Prostate and Its Function

06:38 – Average Age for Prostate Issues Arising

07:26 – When Should People Start Getting Tested

09:37 – Treatment Protocols Depending on Prostate State

16:06 – Side Effects on Continence and Sexual Function

21:31 – Barriers to Testing for Queer Communities

28:21 – Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Story

34:53 – Hyper Masculine Awareness Campaigns

40:05 – Starting Prostate Pride Support Group History

All chapter timecodes are approximate.

Want more Well Well Well?

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing at joy.org.au/wellwellwell.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions at wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org.

Produced by: Jack Crnjanin & Rachel Cook