This issue of Our Voice highlights two important aspects of dealing with prostate cancer. First, Dr. Tom Pickles addresses possible ways to prevent the occurrence of the disease as well as its progression. Wellness is a strategy that we should all adopt, by cultivating commonsense, lifelong habits. Good nutrition and wise use of supplements, coupled with a balanced and healthy lifestyle, will pay dividends in cancer prevention and survival as well as decreased morbidity from other serious ailments. These suggestions are also crucial for general well-being. Dr. Pickles also warns that what appears to be "too good to be true" often is just that. The haphazard adoption of excesses may be detrimental. Risk and benefit need to be carefully assessed.
Next, Andrea Beck, MSc and John Robinson, PhD, address the emotional impact of prostate cancer on the family unit - often overlooked but vital. Healthcare clinicians and researchers are seeing more similarities than differences in how patients and partners respond to the cancer experience. Both worry about the unknowns in their future, and how diagnosis and treatment will affect their lives as couples and families. It's important for patients and partners to face the challenge of prostate cancer together. Studies show that when spouses are mutually supportive, patients achieve a better (i.e. more complete or quicker) recovery. As well, these couples report less overall distress.
Couples' communication is the key to successfully adapting to prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some couples experience a "mismatch of positive intentions." For example, one partner wishes to protect the other and so limits conversation on topics that raise the other's anxiety. All too often, this strategy leads to patients and partners withdrawing from each other - at a time when they need each other's support most. Frequent and sensitive (and possibly professionally assisted) communication can help couples maintain intimacy (feelings of closeness and connectedness), which provides a better foundation from which they can accept the many changes associated with recovery.
Along with earlier detection and greater awareness of prostate cancer come new challenges and areas needing study. Younger and younger men are now being diagnosed. Couples are faced with side effects of treatment earlier in their life trajectory and are likely to experience the impact for longer than patients diagnosed at a later age. In fact, research has found that compared to older men, younger patients experience even greater distress post treatment. And clearly, not enough research is being done regarding prostate cancer and the needs of same-sex couples.
Prostate cancer brings with it many changes. Physical and emotional well-being are the cornerstones of successful recovery and survival.
I hope you will find these and other articles in this issue helpful. Thanks to Dr. Andrew Matthew, a psychologist in our team at Princess Margaret Hospital, for his assistance in preparing this editorial.
