After Cancer Treatment: 5 Changes You Might Experience

By: Michael Dusing, M.D.

Most of us know what to do in case of an emergency, but how well prepared are you in the case of prostate cancer?

An estimated 12.9% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. The risk varies with age, race, and family history, but overall the incidence of the disease has risen by 3% a year since 2014. 

Fortunately, survival rates have climbed over the years as well, thanks to advancements in treatments. Today, almost all men diagnosed with prostate cancer – 99% – can expect to recover if it’s caught before spreading to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or bones. That’s why early detection is so critical and can be done with a simple annual exam and blood test. 

This blog can help you prepare for what life after prostate cancer will be like if you are diagnosed with it. 

Taking Care of Prostate Cancer: Your Treatment Options

In cases where prostate cancer is diagnosed before it has spread (stage I or II), 40% of men choose surgical removal. More than 90% of these surgeries are performed robotically. 

Other common treatments for stage I or II prostate cancer include active surveillance (with regular testing) or radiation therapy. One radiation option, a robotic procedure called CyberKnife, typically requires fewer sessions (and is incision-free).

If the cancer has spread beyond the prostate (stages III and IV) you could require immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or hormone treatment, the latter of which blocks production of male hormones to slow and shrink the cancer.

What to Expect After Prostate Cancer Treatment

During and after recovery, your body will need time to adapt. Here are some of the changes for which you can prepare, depending on the kind of treatment you received:

Temporary incontinence – Because the prostate surrounds the urethra, it’s common for men who undergo prostate surgery or radiation to experience incontinence (leakage). This will improve with pelvic-strengthening Kegel exercises, and most men regain urinary control within a year. 

Scheduled time off of work – Be prepared to take some sick days. Your recovery time will depend on the chosen procedure and the physicality of your job. Your doctor will provide guidance, but on average, men miss 27 days of work due to prostate cancer treatments. 

A shift in sex drive – Sexual issues can arise following cancer treatment, but often are temporary and can be treated. Prostate surgery and radiation can affect nerves and blood vessels important for getting an erection (if the prostate is removed, you will experience orgasms, but they will be dry). And hormone therapy reduces testosterone levels that drive sexual desire. The good news is that there are some treatments that can help, so don’t be embarrassed. Be sure to voice any concerns with your urologist. 

A lower-fat diet and exercise – If you’ve undergone surgery, you will need to hold off on heavy exercise for three to four weeks. However, you should continue everyday activities, including walking. Also, cut back on saturated fats – studies have correlated them with increased risks of advanced prostate cancer – and add more antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits to your diet. This will keep your weight in check and benefit your overall health. 

Treatment side effects – If you undergo hormone therapy, the shift in testosterone levels could result in weight gain, hot flashes, and a loss of bone and/or muscle mass. Chemotherapy can trigger nausea, hair loss, and fatigue during treatment. See your urologist if you have any of these concerns, as there may be some remedies to help. 

Your Healthy Recovery Can Start Now 

If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you can kick off your healing process before treatment even begins, by eating well, exercising often, and avoiding tobacco smoke. Ask your doctor for tips.

Then, after treatment, continue seeing your doctor for regular prostate exams, including prostate-specific antigen tests, which can detect cell abnormalities. Expect to see your doctor every few months after treatment, to ensure the cancer does not recur. 

Above all, remain prepared – so you can go on enjoying a healthy, cancer-free life.

You can read more about prostate cancer symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments on our website. We also invite you to learn about The Urology Group’s Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinic, here.