PCCNC Patient Support Committee Portal
Living with Prostate Cancer
It is important to develop a prostate cancer digest for communicating disease related information to medical professionals that you have and may someday work with.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) suggests that once a person has completed cancer therapy, he or she should be provided with a summary of the treatments received and a follow up "care plan". This care plan should summarize the potential late effects, their symptoms and treatment; recommendations for cancer screening (recurrence or new primary); psychosocial effects (including relationships and sexuality/fertility); financial issues (work, insurance and employment); recommendations for a healthy lifestyle, genetic counseling (if appropriate), effective prevention options; referrals for follow-up care and a list of support resources. Visit OncoLife to develop your preliminary care plan.
Cancer treatment can come with a number of side-effects. Our partner, UsToo International has numerous resources available to help with the management of erectile dysfunction (ED), incontinence, and bone health. Fatigue from both the disease and treatment is also a common side-effect for many cancer patients. WebMD is an excellent resource for information about managing fatigue. Chemotherapy can also come with a number of side-effects. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has excellent resources that can help. Scott Hamilton, a world famous figure skater and cancer survivor, has also put together a wonderful set of resources for individuals undergoing chemotherapy.
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.
Coping in African American Prostate Survivors (CAAPS)
Prostate cancer disparities have been well documented for African American men, including a 60% higher incidence rate, a mortality rate that is more than twice that of Caucasian men, and lower post-treatment quality of life reported by African American men.
The CAAPS Study, is a randomized clinical trial being conducted at Duke University to evaluate 2 educational group interventions tailored for African American prostate cancer survivors. The interventions provide education about symptoms and teach cognitive and behavioral techniques for managing symptom severity, reducing emotional distress related to symptoms, and improving daily functioning.
For more information email Lisa Campbell, Ph.D., or call Dr. Campbell at 919-416-3404. Click here to download a study brochure (3MB-PDF).