Prostate cancer has a high survival rate compared with many other types of cancer. Even so, prostate cancer or its treatments can affect your physical and mental health.
Prostate cancer develops in a walnut-size gland under the bladder that releases fluid to nourish and help transport sperm.
Many people with prostate cancer develop uncomfortable urinary symptoms once the tumor grows large and presses on the urinary tract. Treatment can also cause many side effects, such as rashes, fatigue, and mood changes.
Making lifestyle changes and following your doctor’s instructions on how to reduce your side effects can help ease discomfort. Read on to learn more about how to improve your quality of life while living with and treating prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is often treatable, especially when caught before it spreads to distant tissues. Receiving proper treatment gives you a good chance of surviving this cancer.
The best treatment for prostate cancer depends on factors like:
- your age and overall health
- the extent of your cancer
- whether you have a rare subtype, such as neuroendocrine prostate cancer
- your preferences
According to the
- watchful waiting or active surveillance
- surgery
- hormone blocking therapy
- radiation therapy
- chemotherapy
- immunotherapy
- targeted therapy
- bisphosphonate therapy (medications to support bone density)
Prostate cancer treatment can be lifesaving, but it can also cause many side effects that disrupt your quality of life. Here’s a look at some of the common side effects of prostate cancer and some ways you can manage them:
- Pain: For minimizing pain after surgery, warm or cool baths may help. It’s best to speak with your doctor about when it’s safe to bathe after your procedure.
- Nausea and vomiting: Anti-nausea drugs can potentially relieve these symptoms. Avoiding triggering foods might also help.
- Mood changes: Lifestyle strategies, such as practicing meditation or joining a support group, may relieve mood side effects. Prescription medications like antidepressants can also help.
- Urinary problems: Pelvic floor exercises called Kegels may help improve urinary symptoms.
- Erectile dysfunction (ED): Dietary and lifestyle changes may help support your overall sexual health. Doctors also often prescribe medications called PDE5 inhibitors for ED.
- Hair loss: Hair loss is often temporary, but it can still be difficult to deal with. You can consider wearing a hairpiece or hats as your hair regrows.
- Bowel problems: You may be able to improve bowel symptoms by avoiding triggering foods and eating more fiber.
- Fatigue: Prioritizing rest may help you manage fatigue.
Making lifestyle changes that help support your body’s recovery and general health can potentially help you recover from prostate cancer. Some of the changes you can make include:
- eating a diet high in nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- maintaining a moderate body weight
- eating plenty of lycopene-rich foods, such as tomatoes, which some evidence suggests can help slow prostate cancer progression
- drinking green tea, although research is mixed on its benefits for prostate cancer, and some people may have gastrointestinal symptoms
- limiting or avoiding alcohol
- avoiding or quitting smoking (your doctor can help build a cessation plan that works for you)
- getting regular exercise
Researchers have investigated whether there’s a link between alcohol consumption and smoking with prostate cancer. There’s currently no evidence that these activities increase your risk of prostate cancer, but they can be damaging to your overall health and may slow recovery from cancer treatments like surgery.
Can you have sex with prostate cancer?
Many people with prostate cancer develop sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction. These side effects are often temporary, but they might be permanent for some. It’s best to tell your doctor about any sexual side effects you’re experiencing so they can recommend treatment.
Learn more about how prostate cancer may affect your sex life.
In the United States,
The following table shows the 5-year relative survival rates of prostate cancer by stage in the United States from 2014 to 2020, based on
This metric is a measure of how many people with the cancer are alive 5 years later compared with people without the cancer.
| Stage | 5-year relative survival rate |
|---|---|
| localized | over 99% |
| regional | over 99% |
| distant | 37% |
| all SEER stages | 97% |
Many resources are available to help support you or your loved ones with prostate cancer. Consider the following:
- The Prostate Cancer Foundation provides a list of online support groups.
- ZERO Prostate Cancer offers a support helpline and links to local and online support groups.
- The
American Cancer Society offers a 24/7 cancer helpline. - CancerCare provides support services for people affected by prostate cancer.
- The Prostate Cancer Research Institute offers a helpline.
Prostate cancer treatments currently being studied in clinical trials include:
- cryosurgery
- high intensity focused ultrasound therapy
- proton beam radiation therapy
- photodynamic therapy
Treatment for early stage prostate cancer often includes radiation therapy, surgery, and sometimes hormone therapy. Later stage prostate cancer might need additional treatments, such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
People with prostate cancer often have a good outlook when it’s caught and treated early. However, even when treatment is successful, it can cause many unwanted side effects.
Your doctor can recommend specific ways to treat your symptoms and side effects. Many online support groups and resources are also available to help make this period easier for you or your loved one.