Living With Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer can affect your life in various ways. These effects vary depending on the type of the disease and its progression.

Prostate Cancer and Daily Life

Prostate cancer is generally a slowly progressing disease and sometimes shows no symptoms at all for years. If in your situation there are no symptoms, the cancer may not affect your daily activities much. You can maintain your daily affairs such as work, social activities and personal care.

However, in the event of the disease progressing, the symptoms and treatment methods can affect your daily life. Treatments such as radiotherapy, surgery or chemotherapy can lower your energy level and you may need to rest during the recovery process.

The effect of the cancer on daily activities

If you have no symptoms, prostate cancer has little or no effect on your daily activities. You should be able to work, look after your family, maintain your usual social and leisure activities and look after yourself.

However, you may understandably feel anxious about your future. This situation can cause you to feel anxious or depressed and can affect your sleep.

If your prostate cancer progresses, you may not feel well enough to do everything you are used to. After an operation or another treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy you will probably feel tired and will need time to recover.

If you have advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of your body, you may have symptoms that slow you down and make it difficult for you to do things. You may need to reduce your working hours or stop working altogether.

Whatever stage your prostate cancer has reached, try to make time for yourself to do the things you enjoy and spend time with those who care about you.

Emotional Effects and Coping

When you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is normal for you to experience worries about the future. This worry can cause emotional reactions such as anxiety and depression. Disruption of your sleep can also be a consequence of these emotional states. In order to be able to cope with these situations, receiving psychological support and joining support groups can be beneficial.

The Complications of Prostate Cancer

Erection Problems

If you have erectile dysfunction (impotence), speak with a urology specialist. It may be possible to treat you with a type of medicine called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5s). PDE5s work on the logic of increasing the blood flow to your penis.

Another alternative is a device called a vacuum pump. A simple tube connected to a pump. You place your penis inside the tube and then pump out all the air. This creates a vacuum that causes blood to flow into your penis. You then place a rubber ring around the base of your penis. This holds the blood in place and allows you to maintain your erection for approximately 30 minutes.

Not Being Able to Hold Urine

If you have a mild-level problem of urinary incontinence , you can bring it under control by learning some simple exercises. Pelvic floor exercises can strengthen your control over your bladder.

To carry out pelvic floor exercises:

1. Sit or lie comfortably with your knees slightly apart.
2. Squeeze or lift from the front as if you were trying to stop the passage of urine, then squeeze or lift from the back as if you were trying to stop the passage of wind.
3. Hold this contraction for as long as possible (at least 2 seconds, increasing up to 10 as you improve).
4. Relax for the same length of time before repeating.

If your urinary incontinence is more severe, it may be possible to treat it with surgery. This would involve the implantation of an artificial sphincter; the sphincter is a muscle used to control the bladder.

Social Relationships

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer most of the time brings families and friends closer, but it can also create pressure on relationships.

Most people want to help even though they do not know what to do. Some people find it difficult to talk about cancer and may try to avoid it.

Being open and honest about how you feel and about what your family and friends can do to help can put others at ease. However, if that is what you need, do not hesitate to tell people that you want to have some time for yourself.

The Post-Treatment Period

After the prostate cancer treatment process, particularly after surgery or intensive treatments, you may feel tired. In this period it is important that you allow yourself time to rest and recover. At times when your energy is low, turning towards less demanding and more relaxing activities can help.

Advanced Prostate Cancer

If the cancer has spread to other parts of your body, your daily activities may become more challenging. In this situation it may be necessary to reduce your working hours or leave work. Pain management and symptom control take on importance at this stage.

Increasing Quality of Life

It is possible to enjoy life even after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Make time for yourself to do the things you enjoy and spend quality time with your loved ones. Taking up a hobby, taking part in social activities and exercising regularly are important for both your physical and your mental health.

In conclusion, although living with prostate cancer requires various difficulties and adjustments, it is a manageable condition with support and appropriate treatment. It is important to take the necessary steps for you to feel well and to preserve your quality of life.