Advanced Prostate Cancer

Advanced prostate cancer may require a more radical approach to treatment that involves surgery to remove the prostate and the surrounding tissues. The term for this type of surgery is called radical prostectomy. Many men dread the idea of prostate surgery because one of the common side effects is impotence. However, there are therapies and new drugs on the market that may be able to decrease the chances of a man becoming impotent.

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the goal is to get rid of it so that you can go on to live a long, healthy life. Although no one wants to be rendered impotent, the choice between living and impotence is usually not made alone. The women whose husbands and boyfriends are fighting prostate cancer would likely agree that they would rather have their men around for the long haul than worry about impotence. Counseling can help you deal with the emotional and mental trauma that can result from prostate cancer surgery.

Men with advanced prostate cancer are also likely going to have to seek additional treatments in the form of radiation and/or chemotherapy. If the cancer cells have spread to other organs, chemotherapy will be necessary to kill those cells. Radiation can target the prostate area and smaller areas around it, but this form of therapy cannot be used to cover a broad area, as the healthy tissue will die along with the cancerous tissue.

Dealing with Advanced Prostate Cancer

Men who are in the advanced states of prostate cancer need to take care of themselves through a nutritious diet that is absent of red meat, eggs, and dairy products, as these foods seem to exacerbate the problem. It is recommended that men eat a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean fish, and whole grains. Supplements such as saw palmetto, CoQ10, and lycopene are also recommended, as is regular exercise to fight fat and build cardiovascular health.