With a variety of treatment options for prostate cancer also comes a variety of side effects. Here is a list of potential side effects to discuss with your doctor when deciding on a treatment plan.
There are an array of treatment types for men with prostate cancer, and with them can come a multitude of side effects. Here’s the lowdown on some of the most common potential side effects that can accompany prostate cancer treatments. Ask your doctor if there are strategies that can help you avoid or lessen these symptoms.
Surgery:
• Temporary or permanent impotence (the inability to get an erection)
• Urinary incontinence (the inability to control the flow of urine)
Radiation Therapy:
• Fatigue (temporary)
• Diarrhea or other bowel problems or pain (temporary)
• An increased need to urinate (temporary)
• Impotence (permanent)
Hormonal Therapy:
• Reduced libido
• Hot flashes
• Bone fractures
• Erectile dysfunction
• Loss of muscle mass
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
Chemotherapy:
• Hair loss
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
Xofigo (radium-223):
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Swelling in the legs and hands (peripheral edema)
• Low blood counts
Immunotherapy:
Provenge:
• Chills
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Back pain
• Headache
• Joint ache
Checkpoint Inhibitors:
• Rash
• Diarrhea
•Endocrine disruptions
• Lung inflammation
A Prostate Cancer Researcher’s Unique Perspective as A Cancer Survivor
May 6th 2021In this episode of the “CURE® Talks Cancer” podcast, Leanne Burnham, Ph.D., discusses the research she’s working on to address health disparities in Black men with prostate cancer after being inspired by her father’s diagnosis, and shares her own cancer survival story.
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There's Always Hope in Prostate Cancer
November 21st 2019On this week’s episode of the CURE Talks Cancer podcast, we talk with Grammy-winning songwriter and vocal producer Kuk Harrell about what it’s like to be “on the other side” of his prostate cancer diagnosis, and how he’s using his platform to shine a light on the disease.
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