Breaking the Silence on Life after Prostate Cancer
30 October 2025 – The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is encouraging men and their partners to talk openly about sexual health after prostate cancer treatment. While prostate cancer survival rates continue to rise, survivors may experience changes in sexual function and intimacy that are often left unspoken.
According to the National Cancer Registry, 2023, prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting South African men. It has a lifetime risk of 1 in 16 and accounts for more than 25% of all male cancers reported. Yet, despite the success of modern treatment, many survivors face challenges such as erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, and changes in orgasm or ejaculation.
“These changes can have a profound effect on confidence, relationships, and overall quality of life,” says Lorraine Govender, CANSA’s National Manager: Health Programmes. “It’s vital that men understand these side effects are common, manageable and nothing to be ashamed of. Talking about them is the first step to recovery.”
Historically, men have been less likely to seek help for emotional or sexual challenges after treatment. Cultural and social pressures often discourage open discussion, leaving many feeling isolated or embarrassed. CANSA encourages breaking the silence and normalising the conversation, not only among survivors, but also within relationships, communities and with medical practitioners.
“The stigma around sexual health is one of the biggest barriers to recovery,” adds Govender. “When men hear that others share their experiences, they find a supportive space for healing. Our goal is to make sure that prostate cancer survivors know that these side effects are not a sign of weakness, but a normal part of treatment and recovery.”
Common side effects of treatment may include:
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
- Reduced sexual desire due to hormone changes
- Changes in orgasm or ejaculation
- Urine leakage during orgasm (known as climacturia)
- Emotional or relationship strain caused by anxiety, fatigue or body-image concerns
Support and rehabilitation can make a real difference. Pre- and post-treatment counselling and peer support groups can help survivors regain confidence and improve intimacy.
Why these side effects occur:
- Nerve and tissue damage: surgery or radiation can impact nerves or blood flow essential for erections.
- Hormone changes: ADT lowers testosterone which affects libido and energy.
- Psychological factors: anxiety, fear of recurrence, and body image concerns can affect sexual desire.
- Overall health and fatigue: cancer treatment, comorbidities and lifestyle can lower sexual function.
CANSA encourages men to talk to their doctors early, before treatment begins, to understand what to expect and to discuss options for sexual rehabilitation and fertility preservation.
“Sexual wellness is an important part of life after cancer,” states Govender. “Recovery isn’t only about surviving cancer, but about living fully again, physically, emotionally and intimately. We want men and their partners to know that help exists and that these changes do not define who they are.”
CANSA provides a counselling service dedicated to providing advice to cancer survivors. Make an appointment on the online booking form for Tele or Virtual Counselling or email info@cansa.org.za. Men can also join the Champions of Hope Facebook Group for cancer survivors and chat to peers who are facing similar challenges.
“We also recognise the importance of support groups for cancer survivors, caregivers and loved ones, and offer them the opportunity to join a caring community, when they join a CANSA Support Group,” concludes Govender.
Partners play a vital role in the journey toward recovery. Open communication, patience, and shared learning can ease emotional strain and restore closeness. CANSA encourages couples to seek information together and to join support groups where both can benefit from shared experiences.
Through this awareness campaign, CANSA hopes to normalise conversations about sexual health after prostate cancer and encourage men to seek guidance early. The message is clear: you are not alone, and support is within reach.
For information and support, visit www.cansa.org.za or call CANSA’s Help Desk on 0800 22 66 22.
References:
- National Cancer Registry (NCR). (2023). Cancer in South Africa 2023. National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS).
- Ramathuba, D. U., & Mahlaba, J. N. (2021). The lived experiences of men receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer in Johannesburg, South Africa. Health SA Gesondheid, 26, a1057.
- Radebe, M., & Mokoena, R. (2020). Impact of androgen deprivation therapy on sexual life among married men with prostate cancer in Pretoria, South Africa. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 12(1), a2328.
- Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa. (2024). Information on the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. https://prostate-ca.co.za/information-on-the-diagnosis-treatment-of-prostate-cancer/
- Burnett, A. L., & Nehra, A. (2022). Sexual rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment: Evidence-based strategies. The Journal of Urology, 207(5), 1041–1049.
- Norton, W., & Jayadevappa, R. (2023). Erectile dysfunction and quality of life after prostate cancer treatment: A systematic review. BMC Urology, 23, 15.
- Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). (2024). Prostate cancer awareness fact sheet. https://cansa.org.za
- National Cancer Institute (U.S.). (2023). Prostate cancer treatment side effects (PDQ®) – Health professional version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/hp/prostate-treatment-pdq
(For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA at email lbalona@cansa.org.za. Call 011 616 7662 or mobile 082 459 5230).
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