Good news! Your doctor says your prostate cancer is in remission.
That means, no more cancer treatments, fewer medical appointments and getting back to life without cancer.
But what’s the best way to move forward? Does that mean it’s okay to return to all your old habits? And what about any long- and short-term treatment side effects? Can you ever just stop worrying about cancer and go back to life before the disease?
The experts at CyberKnife Center of Miami, a free-standing state-of-the-art radiation treatment center in the heart of Miami, answer these questions for our cancer patients every day. And we’re here for you too.
Prostate Cancer Survivors: Follow-up Care
Now that you’ve completed your treatment, it’s important to continue to go to all your doctor visits. These check-ups help your doctor monitor your progress and manage any side effects you may be feeling resulting from your treatments.
Remember, side effects can vary depending on whether you chose surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or a combination of those treatments. And many times, there are ways to ease those side effects – especially when it comes to erectile dysfunction or incontinence. While it may take time to be comfortable with your body again, talking to your doctor about options to reduce side effects can help.
It’s also important to talk to your doctor about any new symptoms or health changes you may be feeling. They could be indications the cancer has returned or there is a new issue.
Lowering Your Risk of Prostate Cancer Recurrence
The American Cancer Society also recommends a few lifestyle changes to help reduce the chance of the cancer returning.
Don’t Smoke
Research shows men who smoke are at an increased risk of recurrence, and they are more likely to die from prostate cancer than nonsmokers.
While more studies are needed, we do know quitting has other health benefits and reduces your risk of other cancers developing as well.
Eat Healthier after Prostate Cancer
Research has shown a link between diets high in sugar, fat and meat. They all increase the risk of dying from prostate cancer.
There may also be a link between consuming large amounts of red meat – pork, beef, lamb and veal – and prostate cancer. So, limit your servings of these meats to once a week, no more than three times a week. Or eliminate them from your diet all together.
Alcohol – This is a Big Culprit
Experts recommend you avoid or limit your alcohol intake. Drinking any amount has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, and the risk increases with the amount consumed.
Heavy Drinking
Heavy drinking is defined as consuming 50 grams of alcohol per day or 4 or more drinks per day on 5 or more days per week.
Heavy drinking is associated with an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
Moderate Drinking
Men who drink up to 1.7 alcoholic drinks per day have an 8% greater risk of prostate cancer compared to non-drinkers.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that men drink 2 or fewer drinks per day.
Other Types of Alcohol
The impact of different types of alcohol on prostate cancer risk is debated.
Some research suggests that red wine may have a protective effect.
Other research links beer and hard liquor to a higher risk of prostate cancer.
Other Considerations
The more alcohol a person drinks regularly over time, the higher their risk of developing cancer.
If you’re taking prescription medicine, including cancer treatment, ask your doctor if it is safe to drink alcohol.
Keep in mind diets rich with fruits, vegetables, fiber and whole grains can reduce your risk of dying from prostate cancer.
And while doctors don’t have all the answers on the links between diet and prostate cancers, they do know that eating a balanced diet is good for your overall health.
As for dietary supplements, studies show that none help reduce the chance of recurrence. If you’re interested in taking any supplements, talk to your doctor to find out what he or she recommends.
Exercise After Prostate Cancer
Remember to exercise. Again, it’s good for your overall health but there are other benefits for prostate cancer survivors
Researchers found that walking briskly – three miles per hour – three times a week slowed the progression of prostate cancer by 57%.
And according to a 2015 study: Non-vigorous walking can improve fatigue and depression after prostate cancer treatment.
CyberKnife Miami for Prostate Cancer
At CyberKnife Miami, we’ve helped many men get their life back after prostate cancer. And we can help you too.
CyberKnife uses state-of-the-art image-guided radio-surgery treatments called stereotactic body radiation therapy or SBRT to treat prostate cancer. And CyberKnife, has some distinct advantages when it comes to prostate cancer treatment.
- The CyberKnife radiation beams, which target and destroy the tumor, are so precise. That means there is less risk of side effects including impotence and incontinence.
- Treatments can be done in five radiation therapy sessions over 10 days compared to 42 over three months with other types of radiation treatments.
- It’s noninvasive. So there are no risks like infection, which can be a risk following prostate cancer surgery.
Plus, CyberKnife has a 98% success rate for prostate cancer on early stages.
If you would like to find out more about treatment with CyberKnife call us at 305-279-2900 or go to our website to see patient testimonials and how the technology works.