How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle With Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer means a tumor composed of cancerous cells has attacked the male prostate gland. Doctors strongly advise prostate cancer patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle while undergoing treatment. There is significant evidence to suggest dietary and lifestyle changes are beneficial in preventing and even treating prostate cancer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Oncologist

1. Know that any sexual or urinary dysfunction you may encounter can be treated. Discuss options with your oncologist.
2. Stay active. Doctors stress the importance of continuing to exercise if you feel up to it. If you haven't exercised regularly for some time and wish to start, remember to discuss it with your oncologist and start slow when you do begin.
3. Cut fried foods from your diet, as well as fats and processed foods. Doctors have found prostate cancer to grow more rapidly when excess calories are present. A healthy diet is something you should maintain to help your body fight prostate cancer.
4. Ask your doctor about specialized diets that may help you. Studies strongly suggest a strict diet comprised mainly of certain sea vegetables and whole grains introduce large amounts of cancer-fighting antioxidants into your body that may help shrink tumors.
5. Reach out for support. You can benefit from connecting with other men who have prostate cancer, and from communicating with friends and loved ones. Your community will likely a range of services available that many cancer patients may not be fully cognizant of.
6. Take prescription painkillers if post-operative pain is interfering with your ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Treatments are also available for any stomach-upsetting or nauseating side effects you may experience as the result of undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
7. Get plenty of rest and don't over-exert yourself. You should be aware that home care workers and social workers are available to help you manage the daily tasks of living. In-home nursing is also available if you require continued medical care following your release from hospital.

Tips & Warnings

• Get to know your patient rights. You have the final say on all treatments you undergo. Information in your medical file is strictly confidential. You are not obligated to tell your employer if you have prostate cancer.
• Ask your doctor about options available to treat side effects of prostate cancer surgery or radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
• Seek treatment if you are feeling overwhelmed by the difficult emotions than can accompany a prostate cancer diagnosis. Therapy and medical assistance is available if you feel you may need some emotional help.

Who Can Help: