NEWLY DIAGNOSED PROSTATE CANCER GUIDE
Managing Treatment Side Effects There are many side effects of prostate cancer treatment. Just as prostate cancer varies from patient to patient, so will the side effects experienced. Your healthcare team will work hard to ensure you experience minimal side effects as a result of treatment. Side effects related to prostate cancer treatments vary by the type of treatment you receive. Some common side effects of treatment are urinary incontinence (the inability to control your bladder) and erectile dysfunction (the inability to achieve a full erection). Other side effects can include fatigue, depression, and infertility. It is important to talk to your doctor and your partner about all potential side effects before choosing treatment, as these potential changes can impact your self-esteem and personal relationships. Once you determine your treatment, work with your doctor on a plan to manage any side effects you experience. Learn more at zerocancer.org/side-effects .
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
TREATMENT
WHAT IT DOES
Removes the cancerous tissues and the prostate
Urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction (ED), and infertility
Surgery
ED, hot flashes, mood changes, loss of libido, depression, cardiovascular events, and bone loss ED, increased urinary urgency and frequency, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and discomfort during urination and bowel movement Fever, chills, fatigue, and joint or body ache
Minimizes presence of androgens which fuel prostate cancer growth
Hormone Therapy
Slows prostate cancer cell growth by targeting cells externally or by injection
Radiation
Changes the body’s immune system to kill cancer cells
Immunotherapy
Targets a particular protein or genetic mutation in the tumor
Nausea, fatigue, anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, headache
Targeted Therapy
Inhibits bone loss and fractures and relieves pain from prostate cancer in the bone Targets cancer cells that grow quickly including cancer cells metastasized to the bone
Low grade fever, tingling around mouth or hand cramps from low calcium, dental pains Hair loss, fragile bones, nausea, and nervous system disorders like confusion, depression, or headaches
Bone-Related Treatments
Chemotherapy
A PATIENT EDUCATION SERIES |
20
ZEROCANCER.ORG
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker