Living with prostate enlargement or cancer: Navigating the journey

Below are some of the very basic facts and figures about prostate cancer from Prostate UK:

• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.

• More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year on average – that's 144 men every day.

• Every 45 minutes one man dies from prostate cancer – that's more than 12,000 men every year.

• 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

• Around 490,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer. 
  
  

What is prostate cancer?

Some prostate cancer grows too slowly to cause any problems or affect how long you live. Because of this, many men with prostate cancer will never need any treatment.

But some prostate cancer grows quickly and is more likely to spread. This is more likely to cause problems and needs treatment to stop it spreading.

Signs and symptoms

• Frequent, sometimes urgent, need to pee, especially at night.

• Weak urine flow or flow that starts and stops.

• Pain or burning when you pee (dysuria).

• Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence).

• Lower back or pelvic pain.

• Tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, fast heartbeat, or pale skin.

• Blood in the urine or semen.

• Bone pain.

• Unexpected weight loss.

• Unexplained fevers.

But some men might have some urinary problems. These can be mild and happen over many years and may be a sign of a benign prostate problem, rather than prostate cancer.

If you think you might be at risk of prostate cancer or are experiencing any symptoms, visit your GP as soon as possible.

Living with prostate enlargement or cancer can be a challenging journey, both physically and emotionally. The physical symptoms, such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, and urgency, can significantly impact daily life. Additionally, the emotional toll of a prostate diagnosis can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.

Managing the Physical Symptoms

While medical treatments are essential, there are several practical ways to manage the physical symptoms of prostate enlargement or cancer:

• Dietary adjustments: Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help regulate urinary function. Limiting caffeine and alcohol can also be beneficial.

• Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial, but it's important to find a balance. Excessive fluid intake can worsen urinary frequency.

• Pelvic floor exercises: These exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control and reducing urinary leakage.

• Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms like urinary frequency and urgency.

The Whizzer portable toilet: a discreet solution

The Whizzer portable toilet can be a valuable tool for individuals living with prostate enlargement or cancer. This discreet and easy-to-use device provides a hygienic and convenient solution for managing urinary incontinence, especially during nighttime or when away from home. By reducing the anxiety and inconvenience associated with accidents, the Whizzer can improve quality of life and boost self-confidence.

Managing the Emotional Impact 

Being diagnosed and living with prostate cancer can affect your mood, thoughts, and emotions. You may experience a range of emotions – some may feel stronger than usual and harder to manage. It’s important to remember that everyone reacts differently, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. Your own feelings may change daily, hourly, or even minute to minute.

It's normal to feel like you have to be strong and protect your loved ones. Your friends and family may also have some of the same feelings. So sharing your thoughts and feelings can help you and your loved ones. It’s sometimes difficult to talk to people close to you and you may find it easier to talk to someone you don’t know. Talking about your feelings and working through your emotions can help to lower stress levels and improve your emotional, mental and physical health. 

 Anxiety will feel different from person to person and can cause a variety of mental and physical symptoms. These may include:

• feeling nervous or tense

• increased heart rate and breathing

• feeling restless and difficulty concentrating

• problems getting and staying asleep

• low mood or even depression.
  

Anxiety is often triggered by events, thoughts and feelings. These may include: 

• fear or worry about appointments, treatment and side effects

• living with side effects – for example, if you have urinary problems after treatment for prostate cancer, you may feel anxious about using public toilets. Hot flushes in public can also make you feel self-conscious and trigger anxiety.

• worries about your prostate cancer spreading or returning after treatment

• fear for your family or financial situation

• fear of dying.

Regular physical activity is a good way to look after your physical and mental health. Physical activity can help you stay a healthy weight, which may be important for men with prostate cancer. And there are also lots of benefits for your mental health.

• Improve your sleep. For some people, being more physically active improves their overall quality of sleep. This means reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, and the number of times they wake up during the night. This can make you feel more alert during the day and improve your emotional wellbeing.

• Boost your mood. Prostate cancer can leave you feeling low. Being more active can help you feel a sense of achievement and improve your overall mood. 

• Relieve stress. Stress can have a negative effect on your mental and physical wellbeing. Getting active is a great way to relieve stress and tension in your body. Taking a break from stressful thoughts and getting out into nature for a walk can help to clear your mind.

• Help to manage side effects. Being more physically active can help manage some of the side effects of prostate cancer or treatment. Exercise can help manage fatigue. Some studies have found that exercise may enhance a man’s sexual wellbeing by improving how they feel about themselves (self-esteem).

• Help you cope with symptoms of anxiety and depression. People who exercise regularly may have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Exercise increases the hormone serotonin – this helps your brain to regulate mood, sleep and appetite. Suffering from anxiety and depression can leave you feeling low in energy. Exercise may seem like the last thing you want to do. But exercise can make a big different to your mood and help take your mind off any worries you may have.

Walking is a gentle way to get active, particularly if you’re experiencing fatigue because of your prostate cancer or its treatment. You may wish to start with short walks and build them up when you feel well enough.

A healthy diet isn’t only important for general health, it can also have a positive affect your emotional and mental wellbeing. A healthy diet provides you with energy you need to get through your day and keep active. Having a regular and healthy eating pattern can also help you to feel more in control. For some people, having a routine and feeling more in control helps them to manage feelings of stress and anxiety.

You may want to limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine can cause sleeping problems, which may affect your mood. Some people find that it can make them feel anxious and irritable. 

Speaking to someone

If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition, you should continue with your treatment as planned, unless told otherwise by your medical team. Keep an eye on your thoughts and feelings. If you feel you are developing new or worse symptoms, speak to your GP or mental health support worker, if you have one.

Seeking further support

Several organisations provide support and resources for individuals living with prostate conditions. Here are a few:

• Prostate Cancer UK: https://prostatecanceruk.org/

• The Prostate Cancer Foundation: https://www.pcf.org/

• The Urology Care Foundation: https://www.urologyhealth.org/

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. By taking proactive steps to manage both the physical and emotional symptoms of prostate enlargement or cancer, you can improve your quality of life and maintain a positive outlook.