80% of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy report urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction [Johanssen et al. 2011. Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group Study]. In the West Indies, the incidence of prostate cancer is one of the highest in the world (World-standardized incidence in Martinique is 164.5 versus 88.8 per 100,000 person-years in Metropolitan France). Over 2007-2014 an average 530 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed each year in Martinique, representing 55% of all male cancers [Regional estimates report Public Health France, January 2018]. The prostate is a symbol of male vulnerability [French Association of Urology-Global Market Research and Public Opinion Specialist, 2006]. For other authors, virility is above all a cultural representation, and the crisis of virility, a recomposition of male identity. Surgery on a sexual organ can alter body image and masculinity. According to Colson et al., patients treated for prostate cancer and their partners clearly place sex in first place in the importance of quality of life domains.
The paramedic urology team at Martinique University Hospital has developed a personalized rehabilitation oncosexology program for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer. The aim of this project is to assess the effectiveness of this program by comparing the sexual quality of life 1 year after surgery between patients participating and those who do not.