*Download audio grabs from CCQ spokesperson Katie Clift here.
Queensland men who need the most support with their prostate cancer are the least likely to seek help, with more than 80 per cent of patients reporting unmet supportive care needs.
A new Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University and Cancer Council study found older age, lower education and depression were barriers to men seeking help with a range of issues related to prostate cancer in the first year after diagnosis.
The study found 58 per cent of Queensland men with prostate cancer had unmet sexual needs, about half reported psychological needs, and 41 per cent had physical and daily living needs.
Director of Menzies Health Institute QLD, Professor Suzanne Chambers, said sexual needs caused the most concern and discomfort for men diagnosed with the disease.
"The top five needs identified by the study were sexuality, prostate cancer-specific needs, psychological, physical and daily living, and health system and information," Prof Chambers said.
"For most men, those who were older, less well-educated and more depressed were less likely to seek help for unmet needs.
"For older men, this barrier could relate to masculine values and self-reliance that prevents them from reaching out for support.
"Level of education likely reflects health literacy, which is a concern as low health literacy is linked to poorer health outcomes.
"The relationship between depression and not seeking help speaks to the need for regular assessment of psychosocial needs, including systematic distress screening."
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said where men did seek support, the top three sources accessed were medical professionals, nurses and prostate cancer support groups.
"Our research identifies the need for a holistic approach to better support men with prostate cancer - one that links medicine, nursing and community based peer support," Ms Clift said.
