Men respond in different ways to being diagnosed with prostate
cancer. You may feel shocked, angry or scared. You may want to find
out more about what treatments are available to you.
If you have any questions about your diagnosis you can ask
your doctor or nurse at the hospital. Or you can call our
Specialist Nurses.
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What is my outlook?
Many men will want to know how successful their treatment is
likely to be. This is sometimes called your outlook or prognosis.
No one will be able to tell you exactly what your outlook will be,
as every cancer is different and it will depend on many things,
such as the grade and stage of your cancer, and how quickly it is
growing.
Not everyone will want to know about their outlook, but if you
do, speak to your doctor. They will be able to talk to your about
your own situation.
Localised prostate cancer
For many men with localised prostate cancer, treatment will get
rid of the cancer. However, for some men treatment will be less
successful, and the cancer may come back again. But there are
further treatments available if your cancer does come back.
Locally advanced prostate cancer
Treatments for locally advanced prostate cancer aim to get rid
of the cancer or control it long term. This will depend on how far
your cancer has spread.
Advanced prostate cancer
While it is not possible to cure advanced prostate cancer, hormone therapy may control it for
several years.
When hormone therapy stops working, there are other
treatments available to keep the cancer under control for a
further period of time. The aim of all these treatments is to
control the cancer for as long as possible without making you feel
too unwell from the side effects of the treatment. They also help
to manage the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer.
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What support is available to me?
There is no right way to feel about being diagnosed with
prostate cancer, and you may find that your feelings change over
time. There is support available if you want it. Your family may
also need some support.
Talking about it
Many men find that talking about their cancer can help. You
might get all the back-up you need from a partner, friend or
relative. But, some men find it difficult to share their feelings
with someone close and prefer to talk to someone else.
You and your family can speak to one of our Specialist Nurses. They can help you
understand your diagnosis and the emotional effects of cancer. You
might also find it helps to talk to your nurse, doctor or GP about
how you are feeling. If you would like some more support, they may
be able to put you in touch with a counsellor.
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Talking to someone affected by
prostate cancer
Talking to someone with similar experiences might help. Our support volunteers are all
personally affected by prostate cancer. They are trained to listen
and offer support over the telephone.
You can also join our online community where you can share
your experiences with other men and their families.
There are prostate cancer support groups across the country, where
you can meet other people affected by prostate cancer.
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Practical support
You might find that changing your diet gives you more
control over your body and is something that you can do for
yourself. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and being physically
active will benefit your overall health and might help slow down
the growth of the cancer. Diet and physical activity might also
help you cope with the side effects of treatment and any feelings
of anxiety.
If you live in England and are having treatment for cancer,
including treatment for the symptoms of cancer or treatment for the
side effects of a cancer treatment, you are entitled to free prescriptions. You
will need to apply for a medical exemption certificate. Ask your
doctor for a FP92A form. Once you have filled out the form, your
doctor will need to sign it, and you will be sent the certificate.
If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, all
prescriptions are free.
Read more about emotional and practical
issues.
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