PCCNC Patient Support Committee Portal
The mission of the patient care and support committee is to ensure that prostate cancer patients in North Carolina are well-informed. Click here to view cancer centers and clinical trials to learn about the services of major medical institutions in North Carolina that collaborate to provide leading edge research and the best possible care for those affected by this disease. North Carolina also has numerous support groups accessible to all of our citizens where you will find knowledgeable survivors (and sometimes spouses) available for prostate cancer consultation.
Living with Prostate Cancer
Prior to choosing a treatment option and/or plan, make sure that you fully understand your diagnosis. Many professionals suggest a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment.
Recommeded Reading:
- Cancer Management: a Multidisciplinary Approach by Judd W. Moul, MD, FACS (159KB - PDF)
- Smart Medecine for a Healthy Prostate by Dr. Mark McClure (Diplomate of the American Board of Urology and American Board of Holisitic Medicine)
- Resource Kit For Making Prostate Cancer Decisions (costs $18.95 from UsToo! International)
Common prostate cancer treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, High Intesity Focused Radiaiton (HIFU), cryosurgery, chemotherapy, watchful waiting (AKA - active surveillance, conservative management, expectant therapy, objectified observation, etc.). The integration of complimentary therapies can be considered in conjunction with any treatment protocol. Clinical trial participation should also be considered.
The following patient recommended websites provide additional information on many of the treatments listed above.
- Prostate Cancer Research Institute (visit here first)
- PROSTATEinfo
- Prostate Cancer Institute
- UsToo! International
- Chemotherapy self help guide at the NationalCancer Institue (NCI)
- Chemo Care: Chemotherapy and Beyond
Two tools some patients find helpful for treatment decision making are MD ANDERSON'S TREATMENT GUIDELINES (9,689KB - PDF) and NEXPROFILER TREATMENT OPTION TOOL FOR PROSTATE CANCER
Make sure you are comfortable and have good relationships with your doctors. The following links can help you locate Urologists and Oncologists close to you.
Find a Urologist
Find an Oncologist
Coverage for treatments can also be a concern for some patients. Click here for some links to programs that can sometimes help with financial assistance.
If you are a Vietnam Veteran with prostate cancer, please refer to this website for possible help and benefits: US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Nutrition and Prostate Cancer
Increasing evidence points to the role of nutrition in the development and progression of prostate cancer. There are numerous resources that outline dietary modifications that can benefit any treatment regimen.
Recommended Reading:
Eating your way to Better Health: The Prostate Forum Nutrition Guide
