the life-threatening disease that affects the whole family: a new perspective
how can caregivers support men with prostate cancer? ev...
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how can caregivers support men with prostate cancer?
about 23,000 canadian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year and 4,200 will die. according to the canadian cancer society, it’s the most common cancer among men this year, comprising 20% of all cancer cases.
even though most men diagnosed with prostate cancer will survive, the impact of a diagnosis and treatment can be profound. for spouses, family members, and friends of those with prostate cancer, feelings of worry and anxiety can be overwhelming and life changing.
but, despite these challenges, caregivers are often the greatest source of support for men and their biggest advocates on their prostate cancer journey.
dr. stuart edmonds, executive vice president of mission, research and advocacy at the canadian cancer society, says caregivers and those closest to people with prostate cancer are a critical part of an effective support network for people with cancer.
“through our programs, we have seen an enormous amount of strength and resolve among friends and family members of those with prostate cancer. they show up at countless medical appointments, encouraging check-ups and tests even when men are reluctant. their consistent care and dedication make a significant difference in the experiences of people facing cancer.”
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through programs like the cancer information helpline, the canadian cancer society has heard from caregivers who feel anxious and want help to best support their loved ones facing cancer.
“it’s important that you feel comfortable asking questions and discussing options candidly in order to make informed decisions that are right for you and your family,” says dr. edmonds.
susan bender played a fundamental role in obtaining a diagnosis for her husband’s prostate cancer 15 years ago. when david received a couple of abnormal psa results — a protein measured in the blood that suggests prostate cancer — she strongly encouraged him to seek a second opinion. david was diagnosed with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. sometimes hormonal therapy stops working against prostate cancer. when cancer comes back or doesn’t go away after hormonal therapy, it is called castrate-resistant (hormone-refractory) prostate cancer. fortunately, david’s cancer was identified and treated early enough and, to date, it has not spread.
“it was gut-wrenching. the first three years were particularly devastating – never knowing what would arise at the next doctor’s appointment,” says susan. “david’s treatment side-effects have been particularly challenging for both of us.”
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vancouver prostate centre provides educational services and counselling for the partners of individuals with prostate cancer, as well as couples counselling. dr. alan so, uro-oncologist and senior research scientist at the centre, says the most common reason why some people refrain from monitoring their psa levels earlier is because they’re afraid of the side effects of prostate cancer treatment.
dr. so reminds his patients that they don’t know if treatment will be necessary until psa testing is carried out and a diagnosis is made.
“also, in order to retain the things you’re worried about losing, such as sexual function, you have to be alive to enjoy that. without thorough testing, we don’t know if it’s life-threatening or not.”
psa testing in men over 50 is the easiest way to help diagnose prostate cancer early, while there are still multiple treatment options. once it becomes more advanced, life expectancy shortens and treatment –— now more aggressive –— is more likely to have adverse effects.
“i’m glad that our first-hand experience can now help raise awareness about prostate cancer among other communities,” shares susan, who is now a strong advocate for psa testing.
if someone you’re close to is over 50 years old or you’re concerned of their risk, encourage them to talk to their doctor about getting their psa tested. for men already diagnosed with prostate cancer, more frequent testing should be considered to keep an eye on their psa levels to monitor disease progression.
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visit cancer.ca/prostate for more information in a variety of formats, including videos, brochures and other patient- and caregiver-specific resources, or call the canadian cancer society’s cancer information helpline at 1-888-939-3333 for more information about prostate cancer and support available for you and your family.
sophie ash, special to national post
this story was created by content works, postmedia’s commercial content division, and what it feels like, sponsored by a member of innovative medicines canada.
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