Prostate cancer is common in men over the age of 50. The prostate gland is positioned below the bladder in a male. End-stage prostate cancer occurs when the cancer has spread to the bones and or the lymph nodes; at this point the prostate cancer may often be incurable. At that point, pain management and quality of end of life issues become very important. Speak to your doctor about when you should get examined to check for possible prostate cancer. Too many men forgo regular medical checkups until they notice symptoms of a disorder. It is crucial to get a regular checkup to ensure diseases are caught early when treatment options are most effective.
Symptoms of End-Stage Prostate Cancer
Symptoms of end-stage prostate cancer may include: pain in lower back, hips and upper legs; blood in urine and pain during urination; lethargy, incontinence, body aches, sexual difficulties (erectile dysfunction) and a frequent need to urinate, especially at night. Any symptom that arises rapidly or is causing severe pain should be reported to one's physician immediately. Many patients become alarmed when they see a symptom like blood in the urine. They then procrastinate and do not seek medical attention promptly. This is very dangerous. Upon spotting a possible symptom of prostate cancer head to the Emergency Room or call the doctor. Be proactive and take steps to ensure you get any needed medical care.
Treatment of End-Stage Prostate Cancer
Possible treatments for end-stage prostate cancer include: hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, trans-urethral resection of the prostate, pain killers, and radio therapy for bone pain. Ask your doctor for all treatment possibilities to explore all options. Also ask for information about any state-of-the-art medical trials underway at teaching hospitals that you may want to participate in. Some patients prefer to focus on quality of life with end-stage prostate cancer and other patients want to aggressively try any treatment available.
Goals for Pain Management for End-Stage Prostate Cancer
Pain management for end-stage prostate cancer works to alleviate pain and improve quality of life. Some patients may prefer to avoid pain pills and other patients find they increase the quality of life by allowing better mobility without pain.
Many patients find support groups for end-stage prostate cancer patients are very helpful and provide tips for pain management. Participating in a support group may also help to lessen the isolation end-stage cancer patients may feel. Feeling bonded with other patients in the same situation may help patients to remain hopeful and find ways to minimize their pain through seeking knowledge and building friendships.
Alternative Treatments for Prostate Cancer
Many different alternative treatments are under research and currently in use for end-stage prostate cancer. Some alternative treatments that some patients have found helpful include: vitamin D supplements to possibly improve quality of life, intake of shiitake mushrooms or mushroom extract to possibly help longevity of life and meditation to help soothe the mind and body.
Helping Family Prevent Future Prostate Cancer
Many end-stage prostate cancer patients are very interested in educating younger members of their family about how to work to prevent occurrence of prostate cancer. Patients may wish to help other family members learn about how to eat a diet that may work to help prevent cancer. Some suggestions include modifying the diet to include limited red meat and increase consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grain. Also, prostate cancer patients also wish to speak to friends and relatives about the importance of getting regular tests for prostate cancer, especially for those people with a family history of the disease.
