Key Five: Seek Extra Help—If Needed
If you were to ask any patient diagnosed with prostate cancer what was important to him, he may not mention psychological issues.
However, the overwhelming apprehension triggered by the diagnosis, or the disconcerting uncertainty of what the future holds in terms of treatment and outcome, may be at the forefront of his mind. Unfortunately, these are not issues surgeons or radiation therapists typically discuss with patients.
Here are some random thoughts men typically have after their diagnosis:
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I can't believe this is really happening
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Will I ever have sex again?
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Will my wife leave me if I can't get an erection?
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I'm so angry I don't know what to do
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I feel alone. It's a nightmare
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I think about cancer all the time
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I can't articulate what I want to say about how I'm feeling right now
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Will my life ever be "normal"?
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I'm so upset that my family has to go through this
It's natural to feel upset and worried when faced with a cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, while many prostate cancer patients go on to receive excellent medical attention, their psychological needs are often ignored. Studies show that a significant number of cancer patients eventually develop serious anxiety and depression that is left untreated. Doctors typically don't ask about a patient's emotional state because they're often busy taking care of the medical issues and patients don't tell because they don't want to appear "un-manly" or seem like someone who is not coping well.
Recently diagnosed prostate cancer patients often need treatments not just for their bodies, but can benefit from treatment for their minds, and the same goes for patients whose cancer has returned. Although a person can't change the course of his illness with his mind, he can certainly improve the quality of his life by examining how he is reacting to his illness. Evidence shows that when people with cancer get the emotional support they need, they do better. Sometimes they don't do better in terms of survival, but certainly, they make great strides in terms of overall quality of life and emotional wellbeing.
Psychological Concerns Caused by Surgery
The uncertainty of the outcome following prostate cancer surgery bothers many men. Will I make it through the surgery? Will I be cured? Will I be continent? Will I be able to have a hard erection ever again? What generally happens is that before a person decides on a course of treatment, he may be quite anxious and sad. Once he opts for a radical prostatectomy, finally has the surgery, and starts to recuperate, he generally starts to feel better adjusted. That's because one of his biggest uncertainties and fears will have been answered— he has survived.
Psychological Worries Caused by Radiation Therapy
The fears may be somewhat different compared to men undergoing surgery because radiotherapy is an eight- or nine-week process of going to the hospital every day for treatment. Some men find comfort in this routine because they feel they are being proactive and part of the healing process: every day they are doing something positive to treat their cancer. Others may feel scared: is today's treatment going to kill enough cancer cells to ensure survival? Is the radiation going to get all the cancer by the time I've finished the treatment? For these men, it may take a bit longer for them to develop an assurance that they've done everything possible to successfully treat their cancer.
They will also be concerned about urinary incontinence and erectile difficulties.
Seeking Help
There is plenty of controversy surrounding prostate cancer treatment. However, a sympathetic friend who already had his cancer treated, a compassionate clergy member you can confide in, or a prostate cancer support group can help relieve feelings of anxiety and depression. A support group generally offers good, solid information covering the whole gamut, from diagnosis, treatment, and recovery to the best doctors, new study results, and clinical trial enrollment.
A psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker can also help many prostate cancer patients. You can find these professionals through a local prostate cancer support group, a community hospital, or through your family doctor or urologist.
For recently diagnosed men, there is often a lot of distress, because they are not exactly sure what to do about their cancer. Some have seen a couple of urologists; others have consulted with a radiation oncologist. With a number of excellent practitioners recommending different treatments, it's often up to the men to now make the decision as what is the best treatment for them. A mental health professional can help provide advice to make the decision making a bit easier.
Antidepressants for Prostate Cancer Patients
Most men recently diagnosed with prostate cancer do not need any psychotropic medication.
However, there are some men who are plunged into despair because of their diagnosis, or else they become extremely agitated and anxious. Medical treatment is readily available for these men. Any man who feels he needs the assistance of medication or psychotherapy, or both, should mention this to his doctor. The good news is that the anxiety and depression often responds well to these medical interventions.
Does what you eat help prevent prostate cancer? Key #6 explains why diet does matter and that it's a prostate cancer risk factor that can be altered by every individual.
KEY 6 is titled:
Understand the Role of Diet
This Special Report is not intended to provide advice on personal medical matters or to substitute for consultation with a physician
Copyright © 2006 Medletter Associates, LLC
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