NEWLY DIAGNOSED PROSTATE CANCER GUIDE
Living with Prostate Cancer Monitoring for Recurrence
Completing your prostate cancer treatment can bring relief. When caught early, your initial treatment may mean you are considered free of disease. Most men will live cancer-free for years, and some even for the rest of their lives. But you may also feel worried or fearful that your cancer may return. Up to 40% of men will experience a recurrence, so it is important to understand your risk. Cancer recurrence is the return of cancer after a period when no cancer cells could be detected in the body. Your doctor will recommend how often and when your PSA screening should be scheduled to continue monitoring your health. When PSA levels in the blood rise after prostate cancer treatment, this is known as biochemical recurrence. This can occur even if the patient has no symptoms. If this happens, the doctor will order additional tests and make recommendations for how to manage your disease. Survivorship
SURVIVORSHIP CARE PLAN • Every cancer survivor should have one after primary treatment. • Is a comprehensive care summary. • Should include a record of treatments and follow-up plan. • Is a roadmap to life after prostate cancer treatment.
Survivorship focuses on the overall health and well- being of cancer patients. This includes monitoring for recurrence and providing follow-up care for the long-term physical and emotional side effects. This may include monitoring for secondary cancers and interventions to improve quality of life. Ask your healthcare team if they have a survivorship care plan for you. Learn more at zerocancer.org/survivorship . Nutrition and Exercise
For many, the diagnosis and treatment of cancer leads people to improve their diet and exercise behaviors. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen can help you prepare for and recover after cancer treatment. It may also help to prevent prostate cancer from coming back. Some treatment such as ADT can result in weight gain and bone loss. Depression and fatigue, which are common lingering effects of prostate cancer, can make it hard for even the most motivated person to exercise or eat healthy foods. Take small steps to take care of yourself and make a conscious choice to live a healthier life. Nutrition to Fight Prostate Cancer Although there is no diet to prevent or cure prostate cancer, you can make healthy choices that will help you fight your disease. Watching your weight may reduce your risk of dying from prostate cancer.
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