It’s critical for patients to preserve life satisfaction during their prostate cancer journey
Patients, especially those with advanced disease, may feel a loss of independence and dignity during their disease. It’s important to help support them as they go through this journey by preparing them for what to expect, as advanced prostate cancer and treatment paths can be complex.
Medical support
- Ensure the patient has a close support system and team of doctors available so they feel supported and taken care of
- Promptly respond to symptoms and side effects that arise
- Make the patient as comfortable as possible through pain management or lifestyle adjustments
- Consider advising the patient and care partners of hospital, hospice, or in-home care if the patient continues to progress
Financial and logistical support
- Discuss the importance of financial planning and consider referring to social workers or financial counselors
- Educate your patients and their care partners on programs that may help like Medicare, Medicaid, organizations such as CancerCare and Patient Advocate Foundation, and pharmaceutical companies that may have treatment assistance programs
- If the patient needs help with treatment-related travel, educate them on the Mercy Medical Angels program which provides free medical transportation to patients in need
Emotional and mental health support
- The patient may not always discuss all their personal and medical issues—include care partners in appointments for an accurate picture of daily stressors and symptoms. Care partners can visit ZERO Cancer for exclusive support as they help their loved one on their aPC journey
- Encourage patients to build and sustain healthy habits around nutrition, physical activity, and mental health with a whole food diet including healthy nutrients, a consistent fitness routine, and nurturing their mental health by incorporating healthy ways to manage emotions
- IncreMENtal is the only habit-building program to support patients with prostate cancer and their care partners as they build a healthier lifestyle. IncreMENtal gives patients small, simple actions that add up over time to help overcome their treatment challenges