The article shares the often unvoiced struggle faced by Japanese men dealing with incontinence after cancer surgery. In an attempt to break this silence, various personal accounts have been shared, shedding light on the physical and psychological challenges involved. Through these narratives, the article hopes to encourage broader societal discussions surrounding the topic and, ultimately, to help those afflicted by the condition feel less isolated.
Within Japan, personal health issues—especially those deemed embarrassing—are often not publicly discussed. This, in turn, can create a cultural silence around problems such as post-surgical incontinence. However, these discussions are increasingly needed, particularly as Japan grapples with an aging population and the associated rise in health concerns.
Unlike Japan, in the US or EU, there tends to be more open dialogue about health issues, including incontinence. Many western countries have initiatives to increase awareness about such topics and to remove the attached stigma.