Prostate Cancer
Messages to others about prostate cancer
Men encouraged others to consult their GPs if they had any of the symptoms associated with prostate cancer (see 'Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer'), even though many of these symptoms are more likely to be associated with other less serious problems.
When their prostate cancer was diagnosed, several men said that it was important to talk to family as well as doctors to get as much information as possible about conventional and complementary treatments (see ‘Finding information on prostate cancer treatment’ and ‘Complementary approaches for prostate cancer’).
Some emphasised the importance of not being rushed into a decision since many cancers are very slow growing (see ‘Watchful waiting and active surveillance for prostate cancer’).
Advises that the PSA test is extremely worthwhile.
Advises that the PSA test is extremely worthwhile.
Oh have it [a PSA test] by all means and then go through with the procedures because no matter how embarrassing or painful or otherwise it is eventually you must realise that this is a life threatening situation and you know it's worthwhile I think pursuing this, earlier rather than later because timing is of the essence. I mean left too late then the medical profession can't do anything for you but caught early enough and in time there's every hope that you can deal with the problem.
For more information on PSA testing and the pros and cons of PSA testing see The PSA test for prostate cancer.
Stresses how important it is to get support from the GP and family.
Stresses how important it is to get support from the GP and family.
Stresses the importance of a positive attitude.
Stresses the importance of a positive attitude.
Advises people to get as much advice and information as they can.
Advises people to get as much advice and information as they can.
Well I think, I think if you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer then the important thing is to..., well first of all it's a shock, it's bound to be a shock but once you've sort of got over the shock you know keep your head and collect information, ask questions, talk to people you know anybody that you feel comfortable with talking to, whether they're in your family or outside. If you're at all unsure about what the doctor is telling you ask him more questions or her and if you're still not happy go and ask for a second opinion and you know recognise that the chances are that it's a slow growing cancer and that there are treatments and there's also the option of just seeing how things go.
Suggests that others should consider all types of treatment carefully.
Suggests that others should consider all types of treatment carefully.
The only thing that I would say is that anybody having prostate cancer should consider every aspect of treatment. I wouldn't go for the first thing that was offered, in other words if your oncologist advises you to have one [treatment] I would certainly try and speak to somebody else, not change your mind or his mind just to settle your own mind that what you're doing is giving you [the best chance of a cure].
Yes I don't think, I don't think you should take the first option because this is something which is going to affect the rest of your life so you need to have, you need to have fairly quick treatment because obviously in certain cases it progresses at a rate which is uncomfortable so you need to have quick treatment. But delaying the treatment to get the right treatment is probably more important than going in and having the first treatment that's offered to you. I believe you should make sure that you know what's being done to your body. If you're going to be more comfortable with a certain treatment then go for it, take all the advise you can, you do have to apply yourself to learn as much about it as soon as possible but to give yourself the best chance of recovery you should ensure that the treatment you have is something you're comfortable with.
'Don't panic' was one message.
There are several different treatments as well as the option of watchful waiting, and men advised that 'it is important to reach one's own decision because the suitability of a particular treatment differs from person to person'.
Some of those who had chosen surgery considered that the operation was not something that should cause alarm (see 'Radical prostatectomy' and 'Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy').
More general advice given was to 'avoid damaging behaviour such as smoking and stress' and 'remain active and positive'.
Some men suggested that there could be a positive side to being diagnosed if it helps to reassess what is really important in life.
Some mentioned the importance of raising awareness of prostate cancer and campaigning for more research funding.
Explains there are positive reasons for facing the prostate cancer rather than living in ignorance.
Explains there are positive reasons for facing the prostate cancer rather than living in ignorance.
Advises people to set goals and keep fighting.
Advises people to set goals and keep fighting.
Don't give up, just fight it and keep fighting it. I set myself goals. The first thing I wanted to see was my wife's 70th birthday, she's older than me, now I want to see mine which is next year and then I shall set myself another goal. I set myself yearly, annual goals trying to achieve, which is fine. And one other thing, I've got a mountain bike which is quite fun and I cycle around on that, not too far, I suppose the most miles I've done is about 10 but that's good, it's good fun.
Explains why it is so important to increase awareness.
Explains why it is so important to increase awareness.
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