Living with prostate cancer
Health issues
Some treatments for prostate cancer may have long-term side-effects (eg long-term tiredness or lack of energy associated with radiotherapy) which require you to make some changes to your lifestyle. You may also need to take medications for a considerable period of time, possibly even for the rest of your life. Your doctor or nurse will discuss with you the particular health issues that concern you and they will be able to provide advice on how to deal with any troubling side-effects.
Importance of follow-up care
Follow-up care after treatment for prostate cancer is very important. Your doctor will examine you regularly to be sure that the disease has not returned or progressed, and will decide what other medical care may be needed. Follow-up examinations may include x-rays, scans and PSA blood tests. It is important that you keep these appointments with your doctor. You may find it useful to maintain a diary of how you have felt since the last visit. This will help your doctor to assess if your current treatment plan is the most appropriate for your condition.Coping with symptoms
Your doctor or nurse will be able to provide advice on how to deal with symptoms such as difficulty urinating and loss of libido. These symptoms are common in prostate cancer and your health team will be able to suggest coping strategies and to offer you reading material that deals with these topics.
Sexual relationships
It is natural for you and your partner to be concerned about the effect prostate cancer and its treatment might have on your sexual relationship. Many men with prostate cancer can continue to enjoy an active sex life but some may have problems with impotence caused by their treatment. You may want to talk with your doctor about possible side-effects and whether these are likely to be temporary or permanent. Whatever the outlook, it is usually helpful for you and your partner to talk openly about your concerns and to help one another find ways to be intimate during and after treatment.
Healthy diet and exercise
There is some evidence to suggest that eating a low-fat, high-fibre diet and taking regular exercise can slow prostate cancer cell growth. Your doctor or nurse will be able to provide advice on improving your diet and to suggest the level of exercise suitable for you.
