{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,11]],"date-time":"2025-10-11T00:28:27Z","timestamp":1760142507646,"version":"build-2065373602"},"reference-count":55,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"10","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,1]],"date-time":"2025-10-01T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1759276800000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Diseases"],"abstract":"<jats:p>Introduction: Prostate cancer is one of the most common neoplasia in men, and its clinical evolution is highly influenced by psycho-emotional factors, especially in elderly patients. Comorbidities, the perception of one\u2019s identity and its impact on life quality become relevant variables in the therapeutic decision. Sexual dysfunction after treatment along with decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction are significant problems in patients with prostate cancer. Case presentation: The present study presents the oncological evolution of an elderly patient with a dual diagnosis, prostate adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma, who faced a significant amount of medical and psychological challenges. Reluctance to hormone therapy was closely linked to the fear of sexual dysfunction, a very common reaction in elderly men concerned with maintaining autonomy and intimacy. The peculiarity of the case consists in the interaction between the evolution of the disease, the therapeutic decisions and the psychological impact on the patient. Discussion: Androgen deprivation therapy negatively influences multiple aspects of sexual function, significantly impairing the life quality of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. In this context, therapy through acceptance and commitment is the appropriate one, its main purpose being to change the patient\u2019s relationship with suffering\u2014from struggle and rejection to active acceptance and value of the present. The intervention of the psychologist or the psychotherapist is essential in decision-making counseling, using coping techniques, the clarification of personal values and the involvement of the family in the decision-making process. Oncological psychology helps the patient redefine their life goals and priorities, not just to choose a treatment. Conclusions: Sexuality and psychological health are deeply affected by prostate cancer. Psychological flexibility and emotional support can mitigate this negative impact. The integration of therapy through acceptance and commitment in the rehabilitation after treatment increases effectiveness and patient satisfaction.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/diseases13100319","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,1]],"date-time":"2025-10-01T07:58:13Z","timestamp":1759305493000},"page":"319","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Psychological Involvement in the Journey of a Patient with Localized Prostate Cancer\u2014From Diagnosis to Treatment"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"13","author":[{"given":"Daniela","family":"Mihalcia Ailene","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, \u201cDunarea de Jos\u201d University, 800008 Galati, Romania"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Gabriela","family":"Rahnea-Nita","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Specific Disciplines Department, The Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, \u201cCarol Davila\u201d University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania"},{"name":"M Hospital, 010903 Bucharest, Romania"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Alexandru","family":"Nechifor","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, \u201cDunarea de Jos\u201d University, 800008 Galati, Romania"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Liliana Florina","family":"Andronache","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"The Preclinical Department, The Faculty of Medicine, \u201cCarol Davila\u201d University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Mihaela Emilia","family":"Dumitru","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Radiotherapy Department, \u201cSfantul Apostol Andrei\u201d Emergency Hospital Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Alexandru-Mihai","family":"Rebegea","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, \u201cDunarea de Jos\u201d University, 800008 Galati, Romania"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Cristina","family":"Stefanescu","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, \u201cDunarea de Jos\u201d University, 800008 Galati, Romania"},{"name":"Radiotherapy Department, \u201cSfantul Apostol Andrei\u201d Emergency Hospital Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Roxana-Andreea","family":"Rahnea-Nita","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"M Hospital, 010903 Bucharest, Romania"},{"name":"The Clinical Department, The Faculty of Medicine, \u201cCarol Davila\u201d University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Laura-Florentina","family":"Rebegea","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, \u201cDunarea de Jos\u201d University, 800008 Galati, Romania"},{"name":"Radiotherapy Department, \u201cSfantul Apostol Andrei\u201d Emergency Hospital Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,1]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","first-page":"209","article-title":"Global cancer statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries","volume":"71","author":"Sung","year":"2021","journal-title":"CA Cancer J. 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