Dealing with recurrence
Discover our animated video!
The role of hormone therapy.
Has your doctor recommended hormone therapy to treat your prostate cancer? This video is for you! When it comes to hormone therapy, it pays to know the facts. Let’s take a closer look.
Dealing with a recurrence
You have been treated for your prostate cancer and have gone on with your life. The results of the PSA blood tests have been stable for some time. If, however, you suddenly discover that your last few blood test levels have been significantly, steadily increasing, the news is not what you are ready to hear and seems just as devastating as the first time: the cancer is back. Even if you have been through this before, those feelings of shock, disbelief, guilt, anger, fear, denial, hopelessness and depression are still normal reactions. The question most likely to be going through your mind at this time is: “Will the treatment work this time”
Even if you have been through this before, you should keep in mind that you are still one step ahead. You already know the ropes: where to go to obtain medical advice or emotional support. You know where the resources are available and how to go about to get them. In some ways, this knowledge can make acceptance easier.
You may remember from your initial diagnosis of prostate cancer that many of your fears originated from not knowing what to expect. The coping mechanisms you learned previously will still be very relevant at this time. Educate yourself about what to expect from your new treatment; ask your doctor and nurse any questions that are on your mind; talk about your anxieties with the healthcare team, family members, and close friends or in a support group. Sharing with people who have experienced the same situation can go a long way to alleviate your fears. It can be a lot easier to cope when you understand what is going on.
At this time, you can expect to go through similar up-and-down periods as the first time you fought the cancer. Try to focus on the good days: there will be more. Keep yourself busy while respecting your energy level limitations. Have realistic goals. Do those activities you most enjoy with your loved ones. Take pleasure in every moment you can!
Remember that everyone responds differently to cancer and its treatment, so it’s important to work together to find the solutions that work best for you. By looking after your own mental, emotional and physical well-being, you’ll be better equipped to deal with the changes that come from living with advanced cancer and its treatment. The role you play in looking after yourself is just as important as any medicine or treatment.
We are here for you
You have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate. Contact us at 1-855-899-2873 to discuss with one of our nurses specialized in uro-oncology. They are there to listen, support and answer your questions, and those of your family or your loved ones. It’s simple and free, like all of our other services.
Also take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease, our expert lectures, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you, our events and ways to get involved to advance the cause.
Staying Informed
Pages that might interest you
Want to know more? Just click on one of the links below.
The latest PROCURE news that might interest you
Every week we publish a blog article. Here are some we have chosen for you.
- Did you say prostate cancer?
- I want to postpone my treatment… Is that wise?
- I have several treatment options… Which one to choose?
The medical content and editorial team at PROCURE
Our team is composed of urologists, and nurses certified in uro-oncology with a deep knowledge of prostate cancer and other diseases related to the genitourinary system. Meet our staff by clicking here.
Sources and references
- Prostate Cancer – Understand the disease and its treatments; Fred Saad, MD, FRCSC and Michael McCormack, MD, FRCSC, 4th et 5th editions
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Prostate Cancer Foundation-PCF.org
- National Cancer Institute-USA
- American Cancer Society
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Prostate Cancer UK
Last medical and editorial review: September 2023
Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved
Dealing with recurrence
Dealing with recurrence
New phase of the disease
Facing recurrence is a challenging step in the journey of prostate cancer treatment. After undergoing initial treatments, the idea of a relapse can be distressing. In this section, we will address the scenarios of cancer post-treatment and what it means to live with a recurrence of prostate cancer.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at 1-855-899-2872 or via chat to discuss with one of our healthcare professionals specialized in uro-oncology.
You have been treated for your prostate cancer and have gone on with your life. The results of the PSA blood tests have been stable for some time. If, however, you suddenly discover that your last few blood test levels have been significantly, steadily increasing, the news is not what you are ready to hear and seems just as devastating as the first time: the cancer is back. Even if you have been through this before, those feelings of shock, disbelief, guilt, anger, fear, denial, hopelessness and depression are still normal reactions. The question most likely to be going through your mind at this time is: “Will the treatment work this time”
Even if you have been through this before, you should keep in mind that you are still one step ahead. You already know the ropes: where to go to obtain medical advice or emotional support. You know where the resources are available and how to go about to get them. In some ways, this knowledge can make acceptance easier.
You may remember from your initial diagnosis of prostate cancer that many of your fears originated from not knowing what to expect. The coping mechanisms you learned previously will still be very relevant at this time. Educate yourself about what to expect from your new treatment; ask your doctor and nurse any questions that are on your mind; talk about your anxieties with the healthcare team, family members, and close friends or in a support group. Sharing with people who have experienced the same situation can go a long way to alleviate your fears. It can be a lot easier to cope when you understand what is going on.
At this time, you can expect to go through similar up-and-down periods as the first time you fought the cancer. Try to focus on the good days: there will be more. Keep yourself busy while respecting your energy level limitations. Have realistic goals. Do those activities you most enjoy with your loved ones. Take pleasure in every moment you can!
Remember that everyone responds differently to cancer and its treatment, so it’s important to work together to find the solutions that work best for you. By looking after your own mental, emotional and physical well-being, you’ll be better equipped to deal with the changes that come from living with advanced cancer and its treatment. The role you play in looking after yourself is just as important as any medicine or treatment.
Additional Information - Treatment options
How I coped with prostate cancer
A man with prostate cancer shares the challenges of his cancer experience.
Urologist’s advice: Treatments and information on prostate cancer
Learn more about the role of the urologist and the importance for a patient to gather adequate information after receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Prostate cancer: Tests, imaging and biomarkers
Discussion about the variety of approaches available to monitor this disease before, during, or after treatment.
Is prostate cancer hereditary?
Understanding the hereditary and genetic aspects of this disease can provide valuable information to both individuals affected and their families.
Symptoms, risk and screening
Are you over 50 or experiencing urinary problems? Discover why early screening for prostate diseases is important.
Diagnosis and treatment
Recently diagnosed with cancer? Educate yourself to fully understand your situation.
The role of hormone therapy
Has your doctor recommended hormone therapy? This video is for you!
States of prostate cancer following treatment
Do your recent tests show an increase in PSA levels? It could indicate a recurrence.
External radiation or Brachytherapy?
Explore the benefits and considerations of each treatment option for prostate cancer to determine which might be right for you.
Q-A – New therapies for advance prostate cancer
In this interview, we answer patients’ questions about new therapies for advanced prostate cancer.
Genetic predisposition to prostate cancer
Although rare, some hereditary genetic mutations can increase your risk of prostate cancer.
All about hormone therapy
Hormone therapy can reduce tumor size, control cancer, and prolong life. Is it the right treatment for your cancer?
Active surveillance in 5 points
As surprising as it may seem, your doctor may prefer to wait before starting treatment.
States of prostate cancer post-treatment
Gentlemen, you’re being treated for prostate cancer, and your latest blood tests show an increase in PSA levels?
Your role as a patient
Have you been diagnosed with prostate cancer? Your role as a patient is essential throughout your journey.
Me a guinea pig?
Did you know that participating in a clinical trial advances medical science and improves the lot of patients for future generations?
Sources and references
Last medical and editorial review: April 2024. See our web page validation committee and our collaborators by clicking here.
Discover our animated video!
Symptoms, risk and screening
Are you over 50 years old, or have you been having urinary problems for some time now? This video is for you! Several diseases can affect your prostate, and it’s important to detect them early. Let’s take a closer look.
Anatomy
What is the prostate
The prostate is a gland:
- Located between the bladder and the penis, just in front of the rectum;
- Formed of 2 lobes which surround the urethra, a canal that runs through the center of the prostate, from the bladder to the penis, letting urine and sperm flow out of the body;
- The size of a walnut, which grows larger in size in your forties;
- That has a soft, spongy texture to the touch like a small, ripe plum.
The prostate is made of:
- Gland cells that secrete liquids for ejaculation;
- Muscle cells that participate in the evacuation of your sperm during ejaculation;
- Fiber cells that maintain the structure of the gland.
Around the prostate, we find:
- The seminal vesicles, glands that produce sperm and that are located on either side of the prostate;
- The vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testicle to the seminal vesicles;
- The nerve bundles that control your bladder and erectile function and that are located on either side of your prostate.
Structure
Three main zones of the prostate
Peripheral zone
- The peripheral zone is the largest area of the prostate. It can easily be felt by the doctor during a digital rectal exam (DRE).
- Most prostate cancers start in the peripheral zone.
Transition zone
- This is the area located in the middle of the prostate, between the peripheral and central areas. It surrounds your urethra that runs through the prostate.
- With age, the transitional area increases in size until it becomes the largest portion of your prostate. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.
Central zone
- It is the part of the prostate that is farthest from the rectum. This is why prostate tumors located in this area can not be felt by the doctor during a digital rectal examination.
- If the doctor is in doubt, the following information will help decide if additional investigation is necessary:
- Your PSA level
- Your age and family history
- Your ethnic origin
Fonction
In short
Your fertility and natural fertilization
- It produces … a prostatic fluid rich in enzymes, proteins and minerals that nourishes and protects your spermatozoa.
- It makes … a protein (APS) that is used to liquefy your sperm to facilitate the mobility of your spermatozoa.
- It allows … ejaculation by contracting.
- It promotes … fertility through its enzymes facilitating the penetration of sperm through the cervix.
- It is not related to the mechanism of erection. Therefore, the origin of erectile dysfunction lies elsewhere.
Additional details
Exocrine Function
The prostate is made up of thousands of tiny fluid-producing glands. Specifically, the prostate is an exocrine gland. Exocrine glands are so-called because they secrete through ducts to the outside of the body (or into a cavity that communicates with the outside). Sweat glands are another example of an exocrine gland.
The fluid that the prostate gland produces forms part of semen, the fluid that carries sperm during orgasm. This fluid, produced in the prostate, is stored with sperm in the seminal vesicles. When the male climaxes, muscular contractions cause the prostate to secrete this fluid into the urethra, where it is expelled from the body through the penis.
Urine Flow
The prostate wraps itself around the urethra as it passes from the bladder to the penis. Prostatic changes can affect urine flow. Increasing the size of the prostate or muscle tone may impede the flow of urine due to the close anatomical relationship between the urethra and the prostate.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
The prostate also produces a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA is released with the ejaculatory fluid and can also be traced in the bloodstream. The testing of PSA levels in the blood is used to detect prostate cancer. The level of PSA in the blood is usually measured in nanograms of PSA per milliliter of blood (ng/mL).
A raised PSA level
Usually, a PSA rate of less than 4 nanograms per milliliter of blood is normal, but age should also be taken into consideration as PSA levels gradually increase with age. A rise in PSA concentration may indicate the presence of:
- An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
- An inflammation or infection of the prostate (prostatitis)
- A prostate cancer
Your doctor will have you undergo other tests to determine the exact cause of the increase in your PSA.
We are here for you
You have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate. Contact us at 1-855-899-2873 to discuss with one of our nurses specialized in uro-oncology. They are there to listen, support and answer your questions, and those of your family or your loved ones. It’s simple and free, like all of our other services.
Also take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease, our expert lectures, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you, our events and ways to get involved to advance the cause..
Staying Informed
Pages that might interest you
Want to know more? Just click on one of the links below.
The latest PROCURE news that might interest you
Every week we publish a blog article. Here are some for you.
The medical content and editorial team at PROCURE
Our team is composed of urologists, and nurses certified in uro-oncology with a deep knowledge of prostate cancer and other diseases related to the genitourinary system. Meet our staff by clicking here.
Sources and references
- Prostate Cancer – Understand the disease and its treatments; Fred Saad, MD, FRCSC and Michael McCormack, MD, FRCSC, 4th et 5th editions
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Prostate Cancer Foundation-PCF.org
- National Cancer Institute-USA
- American Cancer Society
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Prostate Cancer UK
Last medical and editorial review: September 2023
Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved
