Prostate Cancer diagnosis and treatment can prove very stressful and overwhelming. A diagnosis of prostate cancer triggers many emotions. There is fear, uncertainty, anger, anxiety, depression and sometimes self-pity or denial. However, hundreds of thousands of men have lived with the same experience. It will be easier if you draft a coping action plan to co-ordinate and sustain all these facets.

o You need to educate yourself thoroughly about Prostate Cancer and its treatment options. Remember that the knowledge is power. It’ll help you to understand the disease, how it affects you, how to decide the best treatment for you, and what to expect as your treatment progresses. Initially, a diagnosis may leave you feeling powerless and at the mercy of the disease. However, the more you know about prostate cancer, the more you can take control of it and your future.

o Seek out support groups. There are many prostate cancer support groups for both patients and partners. Check with health care providers and community organizations for groups in your area. The Internet can be used for finding information and emotional support. Prostate cancer does not make you an outcast. It does qualify you to join a unique group of people who draw strength from one another.

o Remember that prostate cancer is often a “couple’s disease.” Don’t shut out your partner. Your disease is also your partner’s problem. Your partner should be part of your doctor visits and involved in your treatment decisions. The more your partner shares your experience and hears your feelings, the more support your partner can provide.

o Be receptive to emotional support from family and friends. After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, don’t try to be the strong, silent type. You will benefit from the help and support of those around you. They will likely benefit by giving support to you. You will become united in fighting the disease.

o Remember that prostate cancer is not the end of your masculinity. The fact that the prostate gland is critical to your sexual function may cause you fear and anxiety about the possibility of losing your masculinity. Educate yourself so that you can make the best health decisions possible.

o You need a positive attitude to fight prostate cancer. Don’t be afraid to ask for professional or emotional help. Professional and trained counsellors can help you overcome your innermost doubts and tackle difficult feelings. If depression or a feeling of hopelessness becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.

o Be honest with yourself and your physician. You need to build a partnership with your doctor. That takes straight talk. It is normal to consider a second opinion and investigate all of the care options available to you. Your doctor will understand getting a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis, or to provide a different perspective on treatment options.

o Don’t stop learning about the disease. Prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment options are continually changing as new advances and discoveries are made. Continue to seek new information and keep abreast of recent findings and studies that may be beneficial.

o Above all, become an advocate for your personal health care.

An early detection of Prostate cancer can play a key role in its control and elimination like any other cancers. Its treatment considerations also vary, as do their effects on sexual function. The good news is that prostate cancer is very treatable and loss of sexual function is not inevitable.

However, it is important to have regular prostate exams, along with knowing the steps you can take to prevent this disease, which will go a long way in keeping your prostate health on the right track. Remember: “Prevention Is Better Than Cure”.