Sep 26, 2026
2 min read
Fear of sexual side effects is causing some men diagnosed with prostate cancer to hesitate about treatment, but doctors are warning that delaying care could lead to worse outcomes.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in Guyana, with the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation reporting between 200 and 300 patients annually.
Adel Ning, a consultant in GPHC’s Oncology Department, said some patients are reluctant to begin treatment because they are concerned about how it could affect their sexual health.
Some prostate cancer treatments work by reducing testosterone levels, which can result in sexual and other side effects.
“We saw patients here that are afraid to start treatment… more for the sexual part of the side effects because the idea of the treatment is to reduce testosterone levels,” Ning explained.
“When you reduce the testosterone level, you have some other side effects. So, yeah, they are afraid of that. But with the correct treatment, the patient can really have good control.”
Treatment varies depending on the patient and the cancer and can include monitoring, surgery, radiation or medication.
Ning warned that allowing concerns about side effects to delay medical care can affect a patient’s outcome.
“If you delay treatment and you delay to have this medical assistance, it can be worse for the patient, it can be worse for the outcomes of the patient,” Ning said.
“So, the idea is that if you have any concerns, please go to your health centre, evaluate with your doctors, and on time we can do a lot for you.”
The warning comes during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, with doctors also using the observance to encourage men to get screened before symptoms appear.
GPHC Consultant Urologist Dr. Chris Prashad said men should generally begin prostate cancer screening at age 45.
Those at higher risk, including men with a family history of prostate cancer, are being advised to begin screening at 40.
Doctors say men should not wait until symptoms appear before seeking medical advice, as early detection can provide more options for managing and treating the disease.
