Mental Health Service Line, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road (116), Decatur, Georgia 30033, USA. mburke2@emory.edu
The wide-ranging effects of prostate cancer can be an emotional burden to the patient and his family. Recognizing important periods during the diagnosis and treatment that can be particularly stressful, the symptoms indicating patients are at high risk for emotional distress, and the signs and symptoms of emotional distress can encourage improved communication, education, treatment, and referral to minimize the effects of the emotional distress.