Partners in Care: The Community Role in Men’s Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Expert Perspectives · Keira Smith · 2026-06-16
When it comes to men’s health, particularly cancer care, outcomes are often shaped by more than medical treatments alone. Family members, friends, and caregivers play a critical role in helping men seek care, navigate complex decisions, and stay engaged throughout treatment. In this conversation, Dr. Stephen Freedland, Professor of Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Dr. Jasmin Hundal, Hematology/Oncology Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic, the two experts explore why men often need additional encouragement to prioritize their health and how care partners can make a life-changing difference.
Why Men Often Delay Care
Dr. Freedland emphasized that healthcare should never be viewed as an individual endeavor. “I think all care should be community-based. It takes a village,” he said, noting that cancer and other serious illnesses require strong support systems.
Men, however, may face unique barriers to seeking care. Traditional expectations around masculinity can discourage open conversations about health concerns. Dr. Freedland pointed to the familiar stereotype that men avoid asking for directions, comparing it to their reluctance to seek medical help. “We’re not good at asking for help,” he said.
Many men prioritize caring for others before caring for themselves. As Dr. Freedland explained, society has often placed men in the role of protector or provider, leading some to believe they should simply endure health problems rather than address them. Yet he stressed that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. “It’s okay to have something wrong with you. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad person; it doesn’t mean you’re less of a man.”
The Importance of Family Engagement
Both physicians highlighted the powerful role family members play in encouraging cancer screening, attending appointments, and supporting treatment decisions. Dr. Hundal shared that she frequently sees women advocating for male partners and relatives, helping them schedule follow-up visits and seek medical attention.
Dr. Freedland noted that family involvement is particularly important in prostate cancer care. Understanding family history can help identify men at increased risk, especially those with inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. “It’s crucial for men to learn their family histories,” he said.
Support often extends beyond immediate medical care. In prostate cancer support groups, Dr. Freedland observed that nearly half of attendees are women, including spouses, daughters, and caregivers who actively advocate for loved ones throughout their cancer journey.
Communication Matters
The discussion also touched on the dangers of misinformation and poor communication. While social media can spread confusion about screening and treatment, Dr. Freedland encouraged patients to have open conversations with trusted physicians and family members. He strongly supports bringing caregivers to appointments. “I always appreciate when a patient with a prostate brings in a partner,” he said, explaining that cancer discussions are often lengthy and complex. A second set of ears can help patients remember important information and make informed decisions.
Dr. Hundal shared a poignant story of a patient with metastatic prostate cancer whose wife was unaware of the severity of his illness until an end-of-life discussion. The experience underscored the emotional consequences of withholding information and reinforced the value of shared decision making.
The Survival Benefit of Support
Research increasingly demonstrates that social support affects outcomes. Dr. Freedland referenced studies showing that married cancer patients experience a significant survival advantage. “It’s pretty clear in study after study that married people are living longer in terms of their cancer,” he said. Whether driven by emotional support, better adherence to care, or practical assistance, strong relationships appear to have a measurable impact on health.
In closing, Dr. Freedland offered a message directly to men: “You don’t need to be a hero. There are people who love you, who care about you, and who are there to support you. You just need to let them in.”
Key Takeaways
Men are often less likely to seek medical care due to cultural expectations and reluctance to ask for help.
Family members and caregivers play a vital role in encouraging screening, treatment adherence, and shared decision making.
Understanding family history, including inherited cancer risk factors such as BRCA mutations, is essential.
Open communication with loved ones and healthcare providers can improve both emotional well-being and clinical outcomes.
Studies suggest that strong social support is associated with improved survival among cancer patients.
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it can lead to better health, better care, and a better quality of life.
About the Speakers
Stephen Freedland, MD, is a Professor of Urology and the Warschaw Robertson Law Families Chair in Prostate Cancer at Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He is also the Director of the Center for Integrated Research in Cancer and Lifestyle and the Associate Director for Education and Training at Samuel Oschin, and he holds a Staff Physician appointment at the Durham VA Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Freedland has published over 700 articles and served on numerous AUA and ASCO guideline panels for prostate cancer. His research interests include cancer health disparities, risk stratification, and the role of diet, lifestyle, and obesity in cancer.
Jasmin Hundal, MD, MS, MPH, is a third-year Hematology/Oncology Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Previously, she completed her Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Hundal’s main area of interest is the overlap between cardiometabolic health and cancer, particularly for breast cancer patients and survivors. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and hiking.