7 Symptoms of Advanced Prostate Cancer and How to Manage Them

Talking to your doctor about any advanced prostate cancer symptoms you’re experiencing can help you brainstorm ways to address them. Your doctor may also refer you to a palliative care specialist, who can help you get the most out of life by helping you manage pain, anxiety, depression, and other issues related to cancer or treatment for the disease.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of advanced prostate cancer, along with suggestions on how to manage them.

1. Pain

Some complementary approaches, such as acupuncture, biofeedback, healing touch, and yoga, may also help manage pain.

Consider seeing a pain specialist for help, as oncologists are specialists in cancer treatment but not necessarily in pain management. Many hospitals have pain-relief experts, who can tailor your treatment plan to your exact symptoms.

2. Fatigue

• Rest, but don’t stay in bed or sit in a chair more than necessary. Too much rest can actually zap your energy.
• Try to add activity to your days. Although it may seem counterintuitive, moving more can give you energy. Just be sure to space out more demanding tasks, allowing for periods of rest in between them.
• Keep a regular sleep schedule and don’t take long naps. Keep them to 40 minutes or less.
• Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily to fend off dizziness and feel stronger.
• Ask a friend or family member for help with activities and chores that you find tiring or difficult to complete.
• Do light exercise if it feels helpful and your oncologist approves it. Staying active can actually reduce fatigue and help you get better sleep.
• Try activities such as meditation, yoga, and guided imagery to help reduce fatigue.

Report any fatigue to your doctor to help get to the root cause and determine the right strategies to help you manage it.

3. Loss of Libido and Erectile Dysfunction

As a result, for couples, “There’s a real struggle to recover that sense of life together — how to be intimate without having sex,” says Michael J. Morris, MD, a genitourinary medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

You and your partner can also explore other ways to be intimate in your relationship. A sex therapist or couples counselor may be able to help.

4. Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy.

Nausea can make it difficult for you to eat. If this is the case, try eating smaller meals five or six times a day and avoid foods that are fatty, spicy, strong smelling, or sweet.

5. Loss of Appetite

• Eat what you want, when you want (for example, if you love breakfast and want it for dinner, go for it!).
• Aim for several small meals throughout the day instead of just a few big meals.
• Get more protein from high-protein smoothies, beans, cheese, eggs, and fish.
• Add herbs such as chives, dill, or rosemary to give your food more flavor.
• Gather friends and family to make mealtime more enjoyable.

A registered dietitian can advise you on dietary changes that can optimize your health. Your oncologist can also prescribe medications to alleviate nausea and boost appetite.

6. Cognitive Impairment

Some people with advanced prostate cancer experience cognitive impairment or confusion, caused by either the cancer itself or the medications used to treat it. And existing dementia can become more apparent after the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

If you experience this, you should notify your care team. Your doctor may decide to change your medication regimen. Brain “exercises”, such as Sudoku or crossword puzzles, may help keep you sharp.

7. Emotional Side Effects

In addition to physical symptoms and side effects, advanced prostate cancer can take a toll on your emotions.

If you’re feeling any of these emotions, be sure to talk to your doctor, who can prescribe medication for anxiety or depression and might also recommend seeing a therapist.

The Takeaway

• Advanced prostate cancer can come with symptoms such as pain, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, nausea or vomiting, and reduced appetite. It can also have an impact on your emotional well-being.
• If you’re experiencing advanced prostate cancer symptoms, it’s important to discuss them with your care team to come up with strategies to manage them.
• Your care team may connect you with additional experts, including pain management specialists, palliative care specialists, couples counselors, dietitians, and therapists to help address your individual needs.