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Specialised care and support in recurrent or advanced cancer
Advanced and recurrent prostate cancers require specialised care and support. You may be experiencing symptoms from your cancer (such as pain) as well as side effects from treatment. This can also be a time when you are challenged emotionally and physically and are considering your future options. You may need extra support for your psychological wellbeing and have questions about palliative care.
This section of your toolkit provides you with information and resources to support you through your experience with advanced or recurrent prostate cancer.
If you have any questions or concerns talk to your healthcare team, call a PCFA nurse on 1800 22 00 99 and/or reach out to your support network, such as loved ones or a prostate cancer support group.
Side effects of treatment
Treatment options for advanced and recurrent prostate cancers are similar. You can find out more about the treatments available and the care and support needed to manage side effects by following these links:
Side Effects of Treatment
Treatments for Advanced Prostate Cancer
Pain control
Pain control may be needed depending on where your cancer has spread to and the size of the metastases. There are various treatments and medications available to you, depending on your personal circumstances and preferences. Your healthcare team can provide you with more information on the type of pain control that may be suitable for you and refer you to people who can provide any specialist treatment and care you may need. You can also learn about the different options by following the link to: Pain Control
Psychological wellbeing
Having advanced prostate cancer or your prostate cancer coming back after treatment can have an emotional toll on you. Additionally, treatment, side effects and your cancer can affect you emotionally.
Learn how you can look after your mental and emotional health and get the support you need by following the link to: Psychological Wellbeing
Palliative care
Palliative care is a specialised type of care and support but it’s important to understand that it doesn’t always mean end-of-life care. This care focuses on improving your quality of life and looking after your whole body, not just your prostate cancer.
Learn about the benefits of palliative care, what’s involved for you and your family, the support options available and how it differs from end-of-life care by following the link to: Palliative Care
Your healthcare team and PCFA nurses are here to support you and provide advice and resources that may be helpful to you.
If you are feeling distressed call a PCFA Nurse on 1800 22 00 99 or if you need urgent help, call Lifeline on 13 11 44 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
Key Points
- Advanced or recurrent prostate cancer can involve specialised care and support for symptoms, treatment side effects, pain control, psychological wellbeing and palliative care support
- Your healthcare team and/or PCFA nurse can provide support and resources during this stage of your prostate cancer experience
