September 21st, 2015
According to a new study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (1), investigators suggested that despite high overall prevalence of prostate cancer, the patients and their loved-ones have very little knowledge about the different stages and phases of cancer management and survival. After carefully analyzing the quality of life of 263 prostate cancer patients and their spouses; the investigators concluded that there is a strong unmet need of phase-specific programming to assist the patients in living a productive life with prostate cancer.
According to latest statistics:
Fortunately, with active surveillance and exceptional treatment modalities, more than 90% patients are able to live for 5 years or more after the treatment (1). However interestingly, the most common cause of death in prostate cancer survivors is heart disease or cardiovascular accidents; suggesting poor lifestyle and dietary choices. According to a new research, diet and lifestyle are linked to good prognosis and longer survival in prostate cancer patients. It is imperative to mention that 10 years after the initial treatment, the survival rate or life-expectancy in prostate cancer patient is same as that of a healthy male.
Experts strongly believe that introducing small changes in the eating habits and physical activity (such as daily exercise) can help you in living a longer and more productive life; especially if you are a prostate cancer survivor.
Just recently, the American Cancer Society has updated the recommendations for prostate cancer survivors to improve the quality of life and minimize the risk of recurrent cancer.
Prostate malignancy like any other cancer, is a serious condition that takes its toll on physical as well as emotional health. It is highly advised to seek support and help from the loved-ones.
The most troubling areas that are of utmost concern for most prostate cancer patients and their spouses are; psychological distress due to a serious ailment, changes in the sexual interests and stamina and living with troubling symptoms of lower urinary tract (4).
For best results:
1. Northouse, L. L., Mood, D. W., Montie, J. E., Sandler, H. M., Forman, J. D., Hussain, M., … & Kershaw, T. (2007). Living with prostate cancer: patients’ and spouses’ psychosocial status and quality of life. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 25(27), 4171-4177.
2. Kenfield, S. A., Stampfer, M. J., Giovannucci, E., & Chan, J. M. (2011). Physical activity and survival after prostate cancer diagnosis in the health professionals follow-up study. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 29(6), 726-732.
3. Lippman, S. M., Klein, E. A., Goodman, P. J., Lucia, M. S., Thompson, I. M., Ford, L. G., … & Coltman, C. A. (2009). Effect of selenium and vitamin E on risk of prostate cancer and other cancers: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). Jama, 301(1), 39-51.
4. Ream, E., Quennell, A., Fincham, L., Faithfull, S., Khoo, V., Wilson-Barnett, J., & Richardson, A. (2008). Supportive care needs of men living with prostate cancer in England: a survey. British journal of cancer, 98(12), 1903-1909.