Prostate Cancer Surgery for Gay, Trans and Gender Diverse People (Melbourne)
If you are gay, bisexual, trans or gender diverse and have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may have questions that go beyond the standard discussion of surgery.
You may be thinking not only about cancer control, but about how treatment will affect continence, sexual function, intimacy, body image, and how openly these issues will be discussed. Those questions are valid, and they deserve to be addressed directly.
This page outlines how prostate cancer surgery is approached when caring for gay, trans and gender diverse people with prostates, and what considerations may be relevant before and after treatment.
Prostate cancer care is the same — but the conversations may be different
From a medical perspective, prostate cancer behaves the same regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The goals of treatment are the same:
• effective cancer control
• appropriate staging
• careful surgical planning
• long-term health and quality of life
What can differ is the context in which decisions are made.
For some patients, standard assumptions about sexual function, intimacy or recovery do not apply. Recognising this early allows care to be tailored without compromising oncological outcomes.
Surgical decision-making and what may matter to you
Cancer control comes first
The primary aim of prostate cancer surgery is removal of cancer while minimising the risk of recurrence. Decisions around surgical margins, nerve sparing and lymph node assessment are based on cancer biology, imaging and pathology — not identity.
Functional outcomes still matter
Within those oncological boundaries, discussions may include:
Nerve sparing and sexual function, particularly where receptive anal sex is relevant
Continence goals and how urinary changes may affect daily life and intimacy
Recovery timelines and realistic expectations after surgery
Partner-inclusive counselling, where appropriate
These conversations are not about lowering standards of care. They are about ensuring the treatment plan reflects what matters most to the person undergoing surgery.
Considerations for trans women and gender diverse people with prostates
Some trans women and gender diverse people retain a prostate and may develop prostate cancer.
In these cases, care may involve additional considerations such as:
comfort with anatomy-focused examinations and discussions
language preferences
body image or dysphoria concerns
coordination with other treating clinicians where relevant
These factors do not change the fundamentals of cancer surgery, but they do influence how care is delivered and discussed.
Recovery after prostate cancer surgery
Recovery after robotic prostatectomy is a process that unfolds over time.
Patients often underestimate:
how variable early recovery can be
how long nerve and functional recovery may take
the emotional impact of uncertainty during follow-up
Clear preparation and realistic expectations reduce distress and support steadier recovery. Where needed, pelvic floor physiotherapy, sexual rehabilitation strategies and ongoing support can be incorporated into care.
You may find it helpful to read more about recovery here:
Recovery After Robotic Cancer Surgery: What Patients Underestimate
Surgical experience and judgement
Prostate cancer surgery in gay, trans and gender diverse patients benefits from surgeons experienced in both oncologic decision-making and the functional trade-offs relevant to sexual and gender diverse lives.
This includes not only the operation itself, but pre-operative counselling, post-operative recovery support, and long-term follow-up.
A respectful, confidential approach
Care is provided in a respectful and confidential environment. Patients are encouraged to raise any concerns that feel relevant — including those that may not have been addressed elsewhere.
Partners are welcome to be involved in discussions if desired.
For broader information about inclusive urology care beyond cancer surgery, see:
Referrals and appointments
Referrals are welcome from GPs and other specialists. Appointments are available across Melbourne private hospitals.
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are considering surgery, this page is intended to help you decide whether this is the right fit for you.