One of the most difficult aspects of a prostate cancer diagnosis is the process of actually making a treatment decision. According to Nancy Wiggers, MD, Radiation Oncologist, “A cancer diagnosis of any kind brings worry and a sense of immediacy, but patients with prostate cancer should know that this is typically a slow growing cancer so there’s time to research options and not rush the treatment decision.”
While that may be true, the variety of options can often leave patients feeling overwhelmed and anxious. According to the National Cancer Institute, certain factors will impact a patient’s treatment options and prognosis. These factors include the stage of the cancer (i.e. whether the tumor is contained within the prostate gland), the patient’s age and overall health status.
There are currently several treatment options for prostate cancer, depending on the stage of cancer. While having a variety of options sounds like a good thing, the number of choices and the accompanying list of benefits and side effects is often the source of anxiety for patients. Many prostate cancer patients share the frustration of scouring the Internet for information and still feeling unsure of what the “right” decision is.
According to Dr. Wiggers, there is not one ‘right’ decision that will apply to everyone. “It is important to keep an open mind and discuss all available options for treatment and their pros and cons with your medical team.”
Dr. Wiggers offers the following points to think about that may impact your treatment decision:
• Do you have other health conditions, like heart disease or diabetes?
• Are you overweight?
• How active is your lifestyle?
• Do you currently have issues with erectile dysfunction?
• How important is sexual functioning to you?
Recent studies have shown that counseling can help. A study recently
published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (April 2009) found that men who received a series of pre- and post-surgical stress management counseling sessions had significantly lower levels of mood disturbance (distress, anxiety, depression) than those who received the standard level of care. In the long term (six weeks and 12 months after surgery), the men who received stress management counseling reported the highest levels of physical functioning and quality of life.
Experts agree that managing stress is important regardless if the patient is feeling anxious. All patients diagnosed with cancer should be encouraged to participate in some form of relaxation or stress management program whether it’s yoga, meditation, guided imagery or personal prayer. We know that all of these modalities are safe and can improve patients’ well-being.
There are many stress reduction programs in the Atlanta area. Programs offered through local hospitals and cancer support organizations are often free to cancer survivors and their loved ones.
Stress Reduction Programs free for those with Cancer
• Saint Joseph’s: Gentle yoga; weekly. 678.843.5051.
• The Wellness Community: T’ai Chi, yoga, healing touch, guided imagery; 404.843.1880 www.thewellnesscommunity-atlanta.org
• Piedmont Hospital: Mindfulness training, guided imagery, massage, 404. 605.1962 www.piedmontcancerconnection.org
Source: HealthDay News, Stress Management Battles Prostate Cancer Anxiety, 4/8/09.
