Diet and nutrition

With regards to diet, the general advice is the same as it is for everyone – try to eat a balanced and varied diet.^2,4

This means eating a variety of foods that contain different proteins, carbohydrates and fats.⁴

Of course, there may be times when you do not feel like eating or may be too tired to make yourself something to eat. Prostate cancer treatments may also affect what you feel like eating or what you can eat and sometimes a little of what you fancy does you good.²

If you are unsure about what you should be eating or want to find out more about how diet and nutrition can help your prostate cancer recovery, talk to your doctor or specialist nurse. They may suggest a referral to a dietician.

Exercise and prostate cancer

Keeping active is an important aspect of living with prostate cancer.⁵

Together with eating a healthy balanced diet, keeping yourself physically fit can help prevent weight gain and may also ease some of the side effects of prostate cancer treatments.^1,5

Remember, regular exercise does not need to be complicated or arduous. It can include doing everyday activities that you enjoy, such as walking or gardening, or perhaps taking the stairs instead of the lift. The important thing is to do something that you will be able to and want to keep up.

It is also important to talk to your doctor or specialist nurse before embarking on any new exercise regimens, and to also tell them about any difficulties you have when exercising.

Sleep and prostate cancer

Getting a good night’s rest or taking time out when you need it is important for all of us, but perhaps more so when you have prostate cancer.

Problems with sleeping can be due to the worries of the day but may also be a side effect of prostate cancer treatment.³ Hormone therapy for prostate cancer, for example, can cause hot flushes that may make you feel too hot or uncomfortable to sleep.³

If you are having difficulties getting or staying asleep then your doctor or specialist nurse should be able to suggest some ways to help you.

Looking after your mental health

Coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis, the side effects of prostate cancer treatments  or perhaps learning that you have a shorter lifespan than expected can all take a toll on your mental health.⁶

It may be difficult to stay connected to family and friends or sometimes communicate how you feel but it is important to try not to feel too overwhelmed and to ask for help when you need it.

Emotional support is as important as physical support when it comes to treatment so be sure to talk to your doctor or specialist nurse about any mental struggles you may be having.

Talking to others affected by prostate cancer may also be inspiring and helpful. There are lots of UK-based patient groups and charities that provide support services for people with prostate cancer. The details of some of these can be found in Further Information & Support .