Prostate cancer vs breast cancer

[matt2500]

Several months ago, my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Within about two weeks of his diagnosis, my stepmom was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Both were caught early. My dad had to have his prostate removed, and my stepmom had to have a mastectomy, followed by chemo, but both are going to be OK.

What strikes me is this. They run (obviously) in the same social circles. But while my dad received no support from family friends, my step mom got an unbelievable amount of support. Her book group bought her a nice gift, a friend offered her use of a condo in the city where she's being treated, and neighborhood friends cooked meals for weeks. Not to mention get-well cards and the like, none of which my dad received.

One of her doctors told her she got into breast cancer specifically because of the social networks that come together when a woman is diagnosed.

Given that prostate cancer for a male is about equal to breast cancer for a female (they both suck, bigtime), what is it about women's social networks that cause them to come together so much more tightly than a man's social networks?

By the way, there's a flipside to this story which I might post later.

[PoBoy321]

Nobody wears ribbons on their lapels because of prostate cancere.

[miajag]

Having your prostate removed isn't physically disfiguring, while having breasts removed is.

[matt2500]

[ QUOTE ]
Nobody wears ribbons on their lapels because of prostate cancere.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, but why?

[matt2500]

[ QUOTE ]
Having your prostate removed isn't physically disfiguring, while having breasts removed is.

[/ QUOTE ]

Very true, and a good point. But, let me tell you, prostate removal ain't no fun, either. I spent a few days with my dad after his surgery, and being catheterized is no picnic. Add to that six months to a year of 'lack of control,' and you're really messing with a guy.