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 [email protected] Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria and South Australia at thorneharbour.org. Produced by: Jack Crnjanin & Rachel Cook