Introduction and purpose
Much research on men living with prostate cancer (PCa) has neglected gay men. Recent research, however, has shown marked differences between gay/bisexual men and heterosexual men in diagnosis, treatment, care and support. This paper will present new research addressing gaps that exist in our understanding of gay men’s experiences. It will explore the implications for gay men, particularly in thinking better about their sexual recovery after PCa and its relation to mental health.

Population sample
The sample comprised 35 Australian gay men diagnosed and treated for PCa. Six male partners of such gay men were also recruited. Patient participants were 40 years and older, identified as gay men, and were diagnosed and treated for PCa at least six months previously. Partners were gay men of any age, and in relationships with gay men diagnosed and treated for PCa. All participants were fluent in English.

Methodology
This qualitative study used an interpretive case study methodology. The study involved individual, in-depth interviews. Mainstream PCa services and organisations, gay men’s health organisations and social networks, and the Internet were used to recruit participants. Interviews were transcribed, verified for accuracy, and analysed thematically with the assistance of NVivo qualitative data analysis software package.