Life After a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: Why It’s a Pivot, Not an Ending

A prostate cancer diagnosis does not have to mean the end of a full, healthy life, according to Joy Maulik, MSN, FNP-C. Maulik, who created the MyUrova app for men with prostate, bladder, kidney or testicular cancer, spoke with CURE® about how patients can take ownership of their care after diagnosis.

“Cancer today should not feel like that’s the end of your life,” Maulik said. Instead, he described a diagnosis as a pivot, a shift away from the trajectory a patient was on rather than a full stop. Patients may have to give some things up along the way, and while some of those changes may be temporary, others may not be. Still, he emphasized that patients can go on to live long, healthy lives with their loved ones, as long as they understand the guardrails that come with the disease and stay compliant with their care.

Maulik also spoke about the emotional toll a diagnosis can take, particularly on younger men. Many young men diagnosed with prostate cancer feel they have done something wrong, and that guilt can build up inside them. He encouraged patients to feel empowered by their diagnosis instead, because it means they now know there is something that needs to be fixed.

According to Maulik, patients can begin that process by educating themselves about the disease, partnering with their health care provider and recognizing the social support available from their caregivers.

Financial burden is another concern that often arises after a diagnosis. Maulik noted that many resources are available to help patients manage costs, but stressed that patients need to speak up about what they need. Others may not be able to recognize those needs on their own, so open communication is essential.

“It’s a team effort when you get diagnosed with prostate cancer,” he said. He urged patients to make sure every member of their care team, including their provider and caregivers, knows where they stand and what they need at each point in their journey.

For patients facing a new diagnosis, Maulik’s message is one of hope and action: with education, communication and a strong support team, prostate cancer can be a turning point rather than an ending.

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