Social constraints and psychological well‐being after prostate cancer: A follow‐up at 12 and 24 months after surgery

Objective Studies indicate that social constraints (barriers to emotional expression) may be a risk factor for psychological morbidity. We aimed to investigate the association between prostate cancer–related social constraints and psychological well‐being following prostate cancer surgery. Methods In a group of 3478 partnered patients, participating in the Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Robot Open trial, a prospective multicenter comparative study of robot‐assisted laparoscopic and retropubic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, we used log‐binomial regression analysis to investigate the links between prostate cancer–related social constraints at 3 months after surgery and psychological well‐being at 12 and 24 months. Results A total of 1086 and 1093 men reported low well‐being at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Prostate cancer‐related social constraints by partner predicted low psychological well‐being at 12 months (adjusted RR: 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1‐1.9) and by others (adjusted RR: 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1‐3.5). Intrusive thoughts mediated the association. Conclusions Negative responses from the social environment, especially from partner to talking about the prostate cancer experience affected patients' psychological well‐being 2 years after radical prostatectomy. Results emphasize the importance of helping patients mobilize psychosocial resources within their social network, especially among those with a lack of quality psychosocial support.