Your Quality Of Life Matters During Prostate Cancer Treatment

When meeting a patient for the first time, Dr. Mark doesn’t just focus on the clinical details — he starts by understanding the person behind the diagnosis. This is an important step when making a treatment plan as some patients may prefer not to risk experiencing certain side effects while others opt for the most aggressive treatment they can.

“We hear the term cancer, and obviously, our mind goes to the worst place,” Dr. Mark says. “You want to have solutions for the patient and their family. Then, you also want to understand what their goals of treatment are. What is it that they enjoy about their life? What are their hobbies? How do they interact with their partner, and what do we need to start thinking about preserving from a quality of life standpoint?”

This approach reflects a growing movement in prostate cancer care — one that prioritizes survivorship, emotional well-being, and long-term functionality alongside disease control.

What To Consider Ahead Of Treatment

Unlike some cancers, prostate cancer presents unique challenges because of where the prostate gland is located. It’s nestled deep in the pelvis, surrounded by critical nerves that affect both sexual and urinary function.

“If the prostate gland was sitting on top of the bladder, far away from anything important, then … we’d take it out and figure out how bad the cancer was after that,” Dr. Mark explains. “Unfortunately, the prostate gland lives in a very tucked-away spot in the body, surrounded by important nerves.”

This means that decisions about treatment — whether it’s surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy — must be weighed carefully against the potential for side effects that can disrupt daily life.

Managing The Side Effects

Dr. Mark encourages patients to think beyond the hospital room and consider how treatment might affect their relationships, daily routines, hobbies, and passions.

Because prostate cancer treatment can affect sexual function, bladder and bowel control, and more, patients do need to consider what is important to them, and what side effects they realistically think they can manage. With that said, your medical team can make recommendations and prescribe medications to help you cope with difficult side effects.

“The potential urinary symptoms that may arise affect their quality of life,” Dr. Mark explains, noting he asks his patients about their hobbies, if they travel, if something like leakage could be in issue [for those who fly frequently].

These are the kinds of questions that help shape a treatment plan that’s not just medically sound — but personally meaningful.

RELATED: A Healthy Sex Life Is Possible Following Prostate Surgery

Dr. Mark believes that prostate cancer care must be rooted in empathy, education, and collaboration. It’s not just about beating the cancer — it’s about preserving the life a patient wants to live after treatment.

“What are the goals of treating the cancer besides beating the cancer?” he asks. “How do we incorporate the survivorship issues into the overall treatment plan?”

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

• What are the potential side effects associated with my treatment options?
• What can we do to preserve my ability to have sex and control my urinary function during and after treatment?
• What kind of emotional or psychological support is available for me and my family during this process?
• Are there newer approaches or technologies that reduce the risk of long-term side effects?

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