- 5 min read
When your cancer has spread or returned after treatment
Prostate cancer can stay localised in the prostate gland for many men throughout their prostate cancer experience. However, for some, imaging and PSA test results may show that the cancer has spread to other parts of their body, at diagnosis (called advanced prostate cancer) or after you have been treated and your cancer has returned (called recurrent prostate cancer).
In this section of your toolkit, you will learn about recurrent prostate cancer, the different types of advanced cancer, how your cancer might be treated and the specialised care and support for side effects, pain control and palliative care that is available to you. You will also find out how to support your psychological wellbeing and where to get help for yourself, family and carers, and learn how clinical trials may be an option for you to access newer and emerging treatments.
Recurrent Prostate Cancer: what to know if your cancer returns after treatment
If your PSA starts to rise after treatment and/or you are experiencing new symptoms, your doctor may suggest additional tests and examinations to work out if your cancer has started growing or spreading. The results of these tests, your symptoms and your unique circumstances will all be considered by your healthcare team before they recommend what to do next.
Find out the tests and examinations involved to detect and diagnose recurrent prostate cancer, what symptoms you may experience, learn about the treatments available, and discover the wide range of healthcare professionals who have the expertise to support you.
Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Types of advanced prostate cancer: learn what type your cancer may be
Finding out what type of advanced prostate cancer you have been diagnosed with will help you and your healthcare team to decide on the best treatment and care for you. Learn about the different stages and grades of advanced prostate cancer and how there are also other types of cancers.
Types of Advanced Prostate Cancer
Treatments for advanced and recurrent prostate cancer: the options available to you
There are current and emerging treatments available for advanced and recurrent prostate cancer, or you may choose watchful waiting. To help you decide whether to have treatment and what type of treatment to have, learn about the treatment options available.
Treatments for Advanced Prostate Cancer
Clinical trials: how to access new and emerging treatments
Research into treating advanced and recurrent prostate cancer is ongoing. Clinical trials test whether new and emerging treatments are effective and safe before they are widely available. Being part of a clinical trial means you may have access to these treatments. Learn about clinical trials and find out how you may be able to join one.
Clinical Trials
Specialised Care and Support: help and guidance in advanced prostate cancer
Finding out your cancer has returned or spread beyond your prostate gland can be emotionally challenging and requires specialised care and support. If you have symptoms, such as pain, or your treatment causes side effects, these need to be managed to help improve your quality of life. Palliative care may also be an option to look after you holistically: your whole body, not just your disease.
Specialised Care and Support
Learn more about the different types of specialised care and how you can be supported when you have recurrent or advanced prostate cancer:
Side Effects of Treatment
Pain Control
Psychological Wellbeing
Palliative Care
Your questions answered
I’m feeling very upset that my cancer has returned, where can I get support?
Learning that your prostate cancer has returned can be a very challenging time for you and your loved ones. Talk to your healthcare team or call a PCFA nurse on 1800 22 00 99 – they can provide you with support, advice or refer you to a health professional, such as a counsellor. You can also follow the link to: Psychological Wellbeing to find ways to look after your mental and emotional wellbeing. If you need urgent help, call Lifeline on 13 11 44 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
How will I know if my cancer has returned after treatment – will I get symptoms?
Before, during and after treatment you will be in contact with your healthcare team. They can discuss what ongoing tests you will need after your treatment. You may continue to have PSA tests and if your PSA levels change your doctor will discuss whether further testing is required. You may not get any symptoms, even if your cancer has returned, so ongoing testing can be important. You can read more here: Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Do I have to have treatment if I have advanced cancer?
Deciding on whether to have treatment, or the type of treatment, at any time will be up to you. Yor healthcare team can advise you on what they think would be best for you, based on your type of cancer and personal circumstances, and what the treatment side effects might be. A PCFA nurse can also provide you with support, information and resources to help you decide. Learn more by following the link to: Treatments for Advanced Prostate Cancer
Isn’t palliative care only for people who are dying?
Palliative care is a specialised type of care that looks after your whole body and doesn’t just focus on your disease. It is offered when you have a life-limiting illness, but this does not mean you will not live for a very long time. End-of-life care uses palliative care services to support you when you are in your final days, weeks or months of your life. Learn more here: Palliative Care
