Prostate cancer will be a new challenge in your life.
Advice and coping strategies to help maintain quality of life.
A caregivers guide to prostate cancer – A broad overview of prostate cancer treatment, medical terms and procedures and general advice. Please note that some of the information is written from an American perspective and some material is not applicable in New Zealand.
Supporting patients and their families through the prostate cancer journey
Pain and advanced prostate cancer – This fact sheet is for men with advanced prostate cancer who are having problems with pain or who want to know more about it. Your partner or family might also find it helpful.
Preparing for the Death of a Terminally-Ill Loved One: What to Expect, and How to Help the Entire Family Move Forward – Some might think knowing of a loved one’s impending passing in advance somehow eases the pain, but anyone who’s experienced it would tell you it’s one of the most difficult challenges a person could ever face.
7 Side Effects of Cancer Treatment, and How to Cope with Them – Side effects can make patients uncomfortable at best and miserable at worst sometimes affecting their ability to stick to their treatments, or making treatments less effective than they could be.
PTSD and life after cancer – This type of anxiety disorder can also affect individuals who recover from serious illness, especially cancer. However, doctors often fail to recognize that their patients are at high risk for developing the condition.
Managing Chemotherapy side effects: A guide for patients by Dr. Marilyn McDonald, cancer survivor and adult gerontology nurse practitioner, Purdue University. The Guide goes through 12 of the most common side effects patients may experience while undergoing chemotherapy, such as infections, depression and fatigue, and offers advice on how to help ease them.
Maintaining wellbeing – This booklet provides information on common reactions to prostate cancer, helpful strategies, and information on depression and anxiety. It may be helpful for couples to read this booklet together.
How to create a peaceful at-home hospice for a loved one – Given the option of spending the end of your life in a hospital versus in your own home, what would you choose? For most of us, the answer is simple, especially for those with a spouse or family.
Eating well during and after cancer treatment – Good nutrition is very important for people with cancer. There may be some nutritional changes you can make now that will help you during treatment.
Cancer and bone health – People undergoing cancer therapy are more at risk of osteoporosis for several reasons.
Canopy TV – An online news channel for the cancer community. A range of information and videos aimed at increasing people’s understanding of cancer and showcasing clinical developments in cancer treatment.
Support Crew is a simple solution for those who need help but may not like to ask, or want to help others but don’t know how.
Sex and Intimacy
Sex After Treatment – This booklet describes the changes you can expect and what assistance is available to you. Not all aspects of male sexual problems are covered here – just the ones you may face after treatment for prostate cancer, and in particular, problems with erections.
Understanding Sexual Issues Following Prostate Cancer Treatment – Another excellent resource on sexual issues following treatment.
A Guide to Physical, Emotional and Practical Issues – This booklet is for men living with prostate cancer – before, during and after treatment. It’s also for men who are having their prostate cancer monitored, rather than having treatment. Partners, family and friends might also find it useful.
Incontinence
5 Ways to Dodge Incontinence – Most people take bladder control for granted — until the unintended loss of urine interrupts the ability to carry on an ordinary social and work life.
Pelvic Floor Exercises – These can help with some urinary problems – for example, if you leak urine after having treatment for prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate.
Step-by-step exercises to help you get to grips with urinary problems – If you’ve had treatment for prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate, particularly if you’ve had surgery, you may have experienced the side effect of leaking urine (incontinence).
Links made with the kind permission of Prostate Cancer UK and PAndrology Australia.