Influence of Lifestyle

Men managing prostate cancer can maintain considerable control over their disease by their lifestyle choices.

Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, increasing exercise, improving diet and managing stress are all ‘team sports’ in which a man -with his partner, family and friends - can improve his quality of life while actively combating the disease.

Exercise

• Usually when we are unwell, we want to rest and allow our body to fight the illness. This certainly applies when you have an acute infection such as the flu. However, this rest strategy does not apply when trying to manage a chronic and complex disease such as cancer.
• The overwhelming research and clinical evidence indicate that cancer patients should exercise most days of the week, regardless of their cancer type, stage of disease or even when undergoing difficult treatments.
• The best way to counteract and overcome cancer related fatigue is ‘appropriate’ exercise. This does not mean long periods of tiring exercise, but rather, exercise at moderate aerobic intensity, so that it benefits the cardiovascular and muscular systems without overwhelming the body.
• Inclusion of resistance and appropriate impact exercise should be also planned, to minimise the loss of muscle mass and bone density that can ensue from long periods of androgen deprivation.
• The first step is to develop a chronic disease management plan with your GP. In Australia, allied health services may then be eligible for Medicare rebates
• Exercise physiologists are the health professionals who can assist in this area. As well as gyms there is also world class help available through telehealth and home-based exercise programs
• There are numerous studies that demonstrate the value of exercise as an intervention method, and this PCFA article provides a useful introduction.

 For more exercise information and some examples of services available, you can check these sites:

Prof Rob Newton: ‘My Exercise Medicine’ 

Guide for Exercise during treatment for metastatic prostate cancer

Diet

Attention to weight (e.g. via body mass index, waist circumference) is important. A heart-healthy diet (e.g. a Mediterranean diet) is an excellent guide for eating and drinking during prostate cancer treatment and recovery.

• Red meat (especially fatty or cured) is best avoided, or at least eaten sparingly
• Dairy products, especially full fat) are likewise best avoided or used sparingly.
• Packaged foods and drinks based on highly refined flour, salt and sugar should be avoided or used sparingly.
• The recommended five daily serves of different coloured vegetables and two daily serves of fruit are widely recommended.
• Soy in its various forms is an excellent protein source
• Olive oil is a good choice for cooking or in salad dressings

Psychosocial Care

Anxiety and depression are sometimes cancer bedfellows, and their risks to interpersonal relationships and quality of life should not be under-estimated.

• Open sharing, social activities, hobbies, exercise, time in nature – all of these keep us mentally sharp and engaged.
• Talk to your doctor if you feel that things are getting you down – help is
• The Geelong Cancer Support Group is an accessible and welcoming resource where you and your partner can not only have your questions answered, but can also relax in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere
• The Australian Advanced Prostate Cancer Support Group has provided valuable support since 2011, in the form of a monthly phone-in conference. Since 2020 this excellent forum can be accessed via the PCFA Facebook page, where invitation details are posted each month (conference calls for the price of a local call are mostly on the fourth Friday of the month, from 8:30 – 10:00 am EST (9:30 – 11 am ESST). We have members who are active in both groups.