Making a Plan after Prostate Cancer Diagnosis | Southwest Oncology Centers

Making a Plan after Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Knowledge is power. The first step in making your plan is to ask questions—a lot of them. As you gather information, we will work with you and your loved ones to make a plan. Many things may be on your mind after you learn you have prostate cancer. You may also feel anxious or overwhelmed and wonder how you can cope during the days ahead. In addition to dealing with the diagnosis of cancer, you will learn a new language: that of prostate cancer and prostate cancer treatment.

Get the Facts about Your Cancer Diagnosis

Try to obtain as much basic, useful information as possible about your diagnosis. Consider bringing a family member or friend with you to your first few appointments. They can take notes and keep the new information organized.

• Learn about the stage, grade, and risk category of your disease.
• Ask about genetic tests that can predict aggressive or slow-growing prostate cancer.
• Find a doctor that makes you feel comfortable, answers your questions, and gives you confidence in treating your prostate cancer.
• Complete additional testing to determine if the cancer has spread and if so, how far. At Southwest Oncology Centers, we will help you understand.
• Find out about available clinical trials.
• Learn what side effects can be caused by each treatment offered and consider how they can affect your lifestyle.

Be Good to Yourself

• You are in control; a cancer diagnosis is only part of what defines you.
• Take time to think about what you want from your life.
• Connect with friends and family.
• Practice healthy eating habits by increasing fruits and vegetables and limit fats and alcohol.
• Don’t smoke.
• Get active—research has shown that exercise reduces death in male cancer survivors

We are glad to help you answer this and other questions you may have. Please give us a call at 480-614-6300 so you can talk to one of our physicians about your plan and treatment.