What to know about prostate cancer

Men, listen up: Take control of your prostate cancer diagnosis

For many men, it’s a tough topic to discuss. Prostate cancer and its treatment brings up many worries that most would rather not face. However, as the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in men – and the second-leading cause of cancer-related death – the risks of prostate cancer and the benefits of getting screened should be discussed with a healthcare team.

About one in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. That rate is much lower with men under 50, but it becomes more common after the age of 65. The chances of developing prostate cancer are also increased in men of African or Caribbean ancestry. As men age, or if other risk factors are present, it becomes increasingly more important to speak to a doctor about prostate-specific antigen level (PSA) testing or digital imaging screenings.

Some good news

While prostate cancer is relatively common among men, the good news is most who have been diagnosed do not die from the disease. Today, more than three million men in the United States are living as prostate cancer survivors, with survival rates having doubled over the last 20 years due to the push for earlier detection screenings.

With more men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer living into survivorship every year, the need for care beyond cancer treatment becomes more prominent. Every prostate cancer treatment comes with possible side effects, which vary from person to person, but they will almost always occur. Treatment side effects, while challenging, do not have to control a man’s life, however. It is possible to continue living well beyond a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Prostate cancer treatment and side effects

Just as prostate cancer itself will vary from person to person, so too will the side effects of the disease and its treatments. Your treatment options will typically depend on several factors, such as how fast the cancer is growing, whether it has spread and your overall health and function. There is no blanket treatment plan for prostate cancer, but some common forms of treatment include:

• No treatment at all, but rather a program of active surveillance, including follow-up blood tests, rectal exams and prostate biopsies to monitor the progression of the cancer.
• Surgery to remove the prostate when the cancer is confined within the gland, often paired with other treatments.
• Radiation therapy, using high-powered energy to kill off the cancerous cells.
• Hormone therapy to stop the body from producing the male hormone testosterone, which the prostate cancer cells rely on to grow.

It’s important to remember you have the final say when deciding on your prostate cancer treatment. Know your risks - and how you can take control - by asking questions, understanding the stage and grade of your tumor, doing your own research or seeking a second opinion.

When deciding on a treatment option for prostate cancer, most men will want to consider the side effects of treatment as a major factor in the decision-making process. Side effects are a large part of a prostate cancer diagnosis and create the most worry. While they will vary from person to person depending on diagnosis and treatment, here are some side affects you should be aware of when making your decision:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection for satisfactory sex.
• Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control, ranging from some leaking to complete loss of bladder control – along with this might come some pain, increased urgency or urinary frequency.
• Sarcopenia and osteopenia can be caused by prostate cancer and its treatment – they are attributed to a loss of muscle mass and bone density.
• Fatigue from cancer is different from your normal everyday tiredness – it’s a lingering sense of exhaustion that prevents you from participating in your daily activities.

While these side effects from prostate cancer can seem like debilitating circumstances, early management and continued care post-treatment have been shown to help men continue living longer, better lives.

Living with and beyond prostate cancer

If you are frustrated living with the side effects of prostate cancer treatment, you are not alone. Almost every man who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer has been in your shoes. With time, each person finds his own way of coping with a prostate cancer diagnosis.

One of the most important steps once you complete your cancer treatment is to talk to your doctor about a survivorship care plan. Continued tests and follow-up exams after treatment are crucial, but so are lifestyle changes that can help you improve your overall functionality if side effects take some of that away from you.

From the moment you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s important to make mindful decisions about your diet and lifestyle. Your everyday choices are vital to the success of your treatment and recovery from the disease, and it’s a great way to take back some of the control that cancer and its treatment may have had on your life. Here are some recommended lifestyle choices following prostate cancer treatment:

• Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone. For prostate cancer survivors, exercise as much as you are physically able – moderate exercise three times per week for at least 30-60 minutes is recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Focusing on your posture, bone health and overall strength are key after treatment. A cancer rehab specialist can help create a plan to ensure you are getting the right amount of exercise for your functional level.
• Your psychology, or state of mind, will continue to play a critical role in your cancer journey. From staying positive to controlling your diet and exercise routine, your overall mental health is a cornerstone in the ongoing treatment and control of your disease.
• Just a few simple changes in your daily eating habits can help support healthier living as you recover from prostate cancer and may even decrease the risk of your cancer coming back or getting worse.
• Your gut health, in particular, plays a vital role in your diet and overall health. Microbiome research indicates that an important piece of gut health is the amount and variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and beans that you eat. A nutritionist can help create a plan to ensure you are getting the right amount of these important foods.

These lifestyle changes can be crucial to living a life well beyond prostate cancer, but you can also speak to your cancer care team about beginning a rehabilitation program either before or after treatment.

Specialized therapy and its impact on prostate cancer

ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation therapists are specially trained to identify and prescribe effective treatment plans for those battling the side effects of prostate cancer. Our therapists will work alongside you and the rest of your cancer care team to create a care plan based on your individual functional status and goals. During the first visit, your therapist will examine you, listen to your story and goals and assess your needs to develop a tailored strategy that is right for you.

Cancer rehabilitation targeted toward treating the side effects of prostate cancer can involve a combination of physical exercises to increase the strength and coordination of your trunk including your back, abdominals, hips and pelvic floor muscles. Because the back, hip and abdominal muscles are connected to the pelvis, exercising them helps improve, regulate and control your bowel, bladder and sexual function.

If you are experiencing challenges in one or more of these areas, our therapists will design your program and address your specific needs through a combination of exercise, education and manual therapy.

No matter where you are in your cancer journey, a comprehensive cancer rehabilitation program can help.

Learn more about ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation and how our therapists can help you do what matters most.