Prostate: The Wifely Difference

Married men with prostate cancer are more likely to opt for surgery, while single men often choose radiation treatments.

By Jason Feirman, published on July 01, 2005 - last reviewed on July 26, 2005

In 2005, 250,000 men with prostate cancer faced the dilemma of choosing between surgery and radiation treatment.

If they were married, they tended to choose surgery, while single men were more likely to opt for radiation, according to a study by the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Both methods are equally successful, and most men diagnosed with the cancer go on to lead long lives.

Surgery may appeal to married men because they like the idea of quickly removing the tumor from the body, says study author Tom Denberg. Indeed, wives and children may encourage aggressive treatment. Men with prostate cancer may also opt for surgery if they know their families will be there to help them heal.