Prostate cancer - Living with prostate cancer

Impact on everyday activities

If you have no symptoms, prostate cancer should have little or no effect on your everyday activities. You should be able to work, care for your family, carry on your usual social and leisure activities, and look after yourself. However, you may be understandably worried about your future. This may make you feel anxious or depressed, and affect your sleep.

If your prostate cancer progresses, you may not feel well enough to do all the things you used to. After an operation or other treatment, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, you will probably feel tired and need time to recover.

If you have advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of your body, you may have symptoms that slow you down and make it difficult to do things. You may have to reduce your working hours or stop working altogether.

Whatever stage your prostate cancer has reached, try to give yourself time to do the things you enjoy and spend time with those who care about you.

Want to know more?

• Cancer Research UK: coping with prostate cancer

Complications of prostate cancer

Erection problems

If you have erectile dysfunction, speak to your GP. It may be possible to treat you with a type of medicine known as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5). PDE5s work by increasing the blood supply to your penis.

The most commonly used PDE5 is sildenafil (Viagra). Other PDE5s are available if sildenafil is not effective.

Another alternative is a device called a vacuum pump. It is a simple tube connected to a pump. You place your penis in the tube and then pump out all the air. This creates a vacuum, which causes the blood to rush to your penis. You then place a rubber ring around the base of your penis. This keeps the blood in place and allows you to maintain an erection for around 30 minutes.

Urinary incontinence

If your urinary incontinence is mild, you may be able to control it by learning some simple exercises. Pelvic floor exercises can strengthen your control over your bladder.

To carry out pelvic floor exercises:

• Sit or lie comfortably with your knees slightly apart.
• Squeeze or lift at the front as if you were trying to stop the passage of urine, then squeeze or lift at the back as if you were trying to stop the passage of wind.
• Hold this contraction for as long as you can (at least two seconds, increasing up to 10 as you improve).
• Relax for the same amount of time before repeating.

If your urinary incontinence is more severe, it may be possible to treat it with surgery. This would involve implanting an artificial sphincter – a sphincter is a muscle used to control the bladder.

Want to know more?

• Prostate Cancer UK: sex and prostate cancer
• Prostate Cancer UK: urinary problems and prostate cancer

Relationships

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer often brings families and friends closer, although it can put pressure on relationships too.

Most people want to help, though they may not know what to do. A few people find it hard to talk to someone with prostate cancer, and may try to avoid them. Being open and honest about how you feel and what your family and friends can do to help may put others at ease. But do not feel shy about telling people that you need some time to yourself, if that is what you need.

Want to know more?

• Macmillan: emotional effects of cancer
• Talking to your kids about cancer

Talk to others

If you have questions, your doctor or nurse may be able to reassure you, or you may find it helpful to talk to a trained counsellor, psychologist or specialist telephone helpline. Your GP surgery will have information on these.

Some men find it helpful to talk to other men with prostate cancer at a local support group or through an internet chat room.

Want to know more?

• Prostate Cancer UK: online community
• Prostate Cancer UK: confidential helpline on 0800 074 8383 to speak to a specialist nurse
• UK Prostate Link: support

Money and financial support

If you have to reduce or stop work because of your prostate cancer, you may find it hard to cope financially. If you have prostate cancer or are caring for someone with prostate cancer, you may be entitled to financial support.

• If you have a job but cannot work because of your illness, you are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from your employer.
• If you do not have a job and cannot work because of your illness, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance.
• If you are caring for someone with cancer, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.
• You may be eligible for other benefits if you have children living at home or if you have a low household income.

Find out early what help is available to you. Speak to the social worker at your hospital, who can give you the information you need.

Free prescriptions

People being treated for cancer are entitled to apply for an exemption certificate, giving them free prescriptions for all medication, including medicine for unrelated conditions.

The certificate is valid for five years, and you can apply for it through your GP or cancer specialist.

Want to know more?

• GOV.UK: benefits.
• Carers Direct: benefits for carers and benefits for the person you care for.
• Find your nearest Citizens Advice bureau.
• Q&A: free prescriptions.
• Money Advice Service.