Few moments in life can be as jarring for a man as hearing the words “You have prostate cancer.†Even in its earliest stages, the diagnosis can invoke a rollercoaster of emotions, including fear, confusion, and overwhelming uncertainty. Fortunately, the good news is that prostate cancer in its early stages is often very treatable. In many instances, the cancer progresses so slowly that it will not pose any serious issues throughout a man’s life.
You may be asking yourself some of the following questions: What can you do to promote good health? How will the diagnosis affect your life, and will you need immediate treatment? This guide will help answer your questions and put you on the right path, increasing your confidence and preparedness for the journey ahead.
Designating a cancer “early stage†suggests the cancer is in the prostate gland and has not metastasised to nearby tissues or spread to other regions of the body. Early-stage prostate cancer is often diagnosed during routine screenings, which may include a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or a digital rectal examination (DRE). In some instances, it may be diagnosed during the evaluation of other health issues.
At this point, the cancer may be small and slow enough that there are no symptoms present. Actually, many men live for many years with their early-stage prostate cancer, and it never affects their daily life.
During the first few weeks, it is common to feel inundated with information. You may receive so much medical information that it is hard to make sense of it all. Make sure that you pay attention to the details of your diagnosis, including the Gleason score, PSA level, and stage of the cancer, because these will dictate what treatment is best suited.
During this period, you will also be able to have candid discussions with your treating doctors. Make sure to pose all questions to your doctors, including the so-called silly ones. Knowing what is available to you is empowering and makes a difference.
After a diagnosis in the early stages, one of the most crucial choices is to decide if treatment should be initiated right away or if the cancer will be kept under close observation with a plan called active surveillance.
Active surveillance is a monitoring strategy where patients undergo regular follow-up appointments, PSA tests, and, at times, repeat biopsies to assess for progression of cancer. This strategy is common for low-risk cancers that are not likely to progress. Active surveillance helps to delay, and sometimes avoid, the potential side effects that arise from surgery and radiotherapy.
Surgery to remove the prostate, radiation therapy, or other targeted treatments are all possible and may be recommended for cancers that have a significant chance of progression.
These options can be chosen based on the aggressiveness of the cancer, your age, overall health, and personal preferences.
Each treatment option can have advantages and risks, and these are different for each individual. As an example:
Surgery is likely to be effective at removing cancer, but the risks of postoperative urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction are common.
Radiotherapy destroys cancer cells externally or internally using high-energy rays (brachytherapy). Its side effects include fatigue, bowel, and urinary changes.
Although these side effects can be concerning for many patients, they are manageable, and many men do go on to recover well.
Cancer is tough, not just on the body but on the mind and emotions, too. With a diagnosis comes the anxiety of life after, relationship issues, and treatment concerns, all of which are mental and emotional turmoil.
Therapists have been shown to enhance mental and emotional well-being through talk therapy and support therapy.
Taking either active surveillance or treatment planning, lifestyle alterations have a meaningful place to aid your health.
Eating a well-balanced nutritional plan with lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits. Prostate health is supported by a well-balanced diet that includes nuts, vegetables, and lean fish.
Regular exercise with walking and swimming increases body health with mental and emotional well-being.
Make sure to enhance mental and emotional health with yoga or mindfulness, with hobbies that help relax.
These aids aid escape from poor mental and emotional recovery and well-being, aiding your general health.
Concluding, your health can be enhanced with mental and emotional support from the options above.
Those under active surveillance will need to undergo periodic PSA tests as well as scans and biopsies. For those who have undergone treatment, proactive follow-up appointments will help manage side effects as well as identify and manage cancer recurrence.
As always, staying consistent with appointments is crucial in staying proactive for possible underlying issues.
Prostate cancer has numerous side effects, one of which may include difficulty with intimacy, which may have an impact on one’s relationships. While erectile dysfunction can be long-lasting, with the right medical support and proactive dialogue, these relationships can be maintained and even be strengthened over time.
Bringing your partner into your healthcare decisions can go a long way in mending the challenges faced together and easing the hurdles ahead.
Feeling uncertain about the future is a natural response to a new diagnosis. However, the good news is that survival rates for early-stage prostate cancer are exceptionally high.
Keep reading credible sources, attending follow-up appointments and having discussions with your healthcare team to know more. Through research, men can enhance their quality of life and have optimal treatment outcomes.
An early diagnosis of prostate cancer may come with a dose of fear, but there’s no need for it to dictate your life. In most cases, when diagnosed early, the condition provides an excellent prognosis, and many men go on to have full and active lives for many decades.
It is worth bifurcating your approach to managing this diagnosis. Gather information and understanding around your condition and the treatment options available. Take care of your emotional well-being, eat healthy, and seek support when needed. Remember, you are not alone. Millions of men are living well after an early-stage prostate cancer diagnosis, and so can you.
1. Is treatment always necessary for early-stage prostate cancer?
In most cases, it is not necessary. Many cases are monitored through active surveillance, and especially if the cancer is slow-growing and unlikely to cause problems in the near future, it can be forgotten.
2. Are there any threats to my work and active lifestyle after receiving treatment?
In most cases, men go back to their regular activities, but you may need some time to rebuild your energy and get used to any side effects post-recovery.
3. How many check-ups should I anticipate after receiving a diagnosis?
This depends on your treatment plan, but regular PSA tests and occasional scans are common. Your healthcare provider will tailor a schedule to your specific situation.