Consumer Guide to Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Exam
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Ongoing Care
Prostate Cancer Treatment and Ongoing Care
Most men survive the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and continue to live a full and meaningful life. The most important steps a man can take in order to maintain a healthy prostate and a healthy life, whether it's before or after a diagnosis, is to eat a healthy diet, exercise and stay physically active, and to schedule regular checkups with his doctor.
Once a man has been diagnosed or treated for prostate cancer, he should continue to have regular checkups with his doctor to make sure the cancer has not come back or spread. Some of the tests and exams that are used to check for the presence of cancer and to aid in the planning of treatment are blood tests, a bone scan, CT scan, MRI, or a PET scan. A blood test can reveal if the cancer has spread to the liver or bones. A bone scan will show any cancer causing bone damage. The CT scan, MRI, and PET scan will identify any damage to the bodily tissues resulting from cancerous tumors.
Healthy Diet
As the incidence of prostate cancer seems to increase with a high fat diet, it is beneficial to eat a diet of healthy, low-fat, high-fiber foods. The foods one eats should focus on fruits, vegetables and whole fiber foods. The diet should include foods with lycopenes (an antioxidant) such as raw or cooked tomatoes, tomato products, grapefruit, and watermelon. Other recommended foods are garlic, cruciferous vegetables (such as arugula, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower), and soy products. Soy products are recommended because they contain isoflavones, and isoflavones have a limiting affect on testosterone production. Since testosterone fuels cancer growth, isoflavones are thought to help reduce the growth of cancer.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Exercise and physical activity are always part of a healthy lifestyle. The benefits of exercise are well known for the prevention of a heart attack, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The benefits of exercise for reducing the chance of cancer is not as well documented, but studies show that it may help. Exercise may play a part in cancer prevention because physical activity has been shown to strengthen the immune system, improve circulation, and speed digestion. Exercise also reduces the likelihood of becoming obese, which is another factor that may increase the chance of getting cancer. The symptoms of cancer and treatment also appear to be less severe in men who engage in regular exercise.
Coping Skills
A diagnosis of prostate cancer is often followed by an overwhelming combination of feelings, from disbelief, fear and anger to anxiety, emptiness, and depression. During this difficult time, there are positive ways a man can deal with the disease but not let it dominate his life. Becoming informed about prostate cancer and the treatments will help to alleviate any surprises, which can help one adapt. A man should try to maintain as normal a schedule as possible and engage in activities that bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment. As the body may be somewhat weakened physically by symptoms and/or treatment, just take things a little bit slower until endurance is built back up. Look for diversions and try not to wallow in sad feelings. Make it a priority to plan at least one activity a day that you enjoy. Exercise helps to fight depression and relieve tension and should be a regular part of every day.
Often the physical side effects from treatment of incontinence and sexual dysfunction are difficult to accept, but finding other ways to compensate may help. With bladder problems, sit in a seat location that makes it easier to get up and go to the bathroom, such as an aisle seat in a plane or a seat at the back of a theatre. Since caffeinated products tend to increase the need to urinate, avoid these products. With impotence problems, while the natural tendency is to withdraw from one's sexual partner, this is the time when a man should seek other forms of sexual intimacy, such as thru touching, holding, hugging and caressing. In fact, this can often lead to a greater closeness with a sexual partner as a couple finds other ways to express their sexuality.
As the health of the body is impacted by the health of the mind, it is important to stay positive and find ways to let this experience bring even greater meaning and fulfillment to one's life. Seek out someone to talk to, whether it is a good friend, family member, or a counselor. When a man has someone to talk to about his feelings and concerns, it can make him feel better emotionally. Many men find help with support groups, where they can share their feelings with other people who understand what they are going thru and who can offer advice, support and encouragement.
In dealing with prostate cancer, even though it is a difficult time, it does not need to be an all negative experience. Many men come to appreciate life more and identify what is really important to them. They are able to spend more time with the ones they love and are able to mend broken relationships. They engage in activities that they have always wanted to do and found ways to enjoy life and live it to the fullest. Even with a diagnosis of prostate cancer, a positive approach will aid healing and benefit one's life.