LIFE AFTER PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSIS

 

A cancerdiagnosis brings with it a lot of changes in a person's life as well as worries. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Before we proceed knowing the lifestyle changes, let's throw some light on prostate cancer first. Prostate cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the prostate. Signs of prostate cancer include a weak flow of urine or frequent urination. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

 

Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive. For most men with prostate cancer, treatment can remove or destroy the cancer. Completing treatment can be both stressful and exciting. You may be relieved to finish treatment, but find it hard not to worry about cancer growing or coming back. This is very common if you have had cancer.

 

FOLLOW UP CARE

 

Even if you have completed treatment, your doctors will still want to watch you closely. It's very important to go to all of your follow-up appointments. During these visits, your doctor will ask questions about any changes, problems, or other concerns you have.

All prostatecancer survivors need to tell their healthcare team about any new symptoms or problems because they could be caused by cancer recurrence or by a new disease.

 

KEEP TESTING AND VISITING THE DOCTOR

 

One must keep visiting his/her doctor regularly which might include PSA blood tests, possibly with digital rectal exams DREs. These will probably begin within a few months of finishing treatment. Your follow-up visits and tests might depend to some extent on the stage of cancer and the chance of its recurrence. Most patients are recommended PSA tests about every 6 months or the first 5 years after treatment. Bone scans and tests might also be done depending on the medical situation and symptoms.

 

SURVIVORSHIP CARE PLAN

 

Talk to your doctor about developing a survivorship care plan which might include a summary of the treatment you received, a suggested schedule for follow-up exams and tests, and a schedule for other tests you might need in the future. These may be early detection tests or tests to look for long-term side effects from your treatment.

 

STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

 

Based on research, it is observed that men who exercise regularly after the treatment might be less likely to die from prostate cancer than those who do not stay physically active.

 

Sohana Hospital has an advanced Cancer Research Institute that is well-equipped with modern equipment for accurate cancer diagnosis. Our experienced oncologists employ their expertise in creating a treatment plan specific to your needs and one that fulfills your expectations from the treatment. Visit us today and get yourself checked for cancer on time.