Living with prostate cancer has been a challenging journey, but taking abiraterone has helped manage my condition. The drug has worked significantly in slowing down the progression of the disease, reducing the severity of the symptoms and improving my overall quality of life. However, it's not without its side effects, which include fatigue and high blood pressure. But in my battle with prostate cancer, it's a small price to pay. Overall, my experience with abiraterone has been positive, and it has given me hope in my fight against this disease.
Prostate cancer: what you need to know
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. If you want clear, practical facts—what to watch for, how tests work, and the choices you might face—this page is for you. I’ll keep it simple so you can talk to your doctor with confidence.
Signs and screening
Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms. When signs show up, they can include weak urine stream, difficulty starting or stopping, more trips to the bathroom at night, blood in urine or semen, and pain in the hips or lower back. Those symptoms can also come from non-cancer issues like an enlarged prostate or infection, so testing is needed to know for sure.
Two common screening tools are the PSA blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE). PSA measures a protein linked to the prostate; higher levels may mean cancer, but also infection or enlargement. DRE lets a doctor feel the prostate for lumps. If tests raise concern, an MRI or biopsy can confirm cancer and show how aggressive it is. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk—age, family history, and race affect risk—and whether screening is right for you.
Treatment options and what to expect
Treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is, the grade (Gleason score), your age, and general health. For low-risk, slow-growing tumors many men choose active surveillance: regular PSA checks, exams, and occasional imaging or biopsy. Surveillance avoids side effects until treatment is needed.
Curative options include surgery to remove the prostate (radical prostatectomy) and radiation therapy. Both can work well, but they have different recovery paths and side effects. Common side effects include urinary leakage and erectile dysfunction. Pelvic floor exercises, medications, and rehab programs can help recovery. Ask your team about expected timelines and rehab options.
For advanced or recurrent cancer, doctors use hormone therapy to lower testosterone, plus options like chemotherapy, targeted drugs, or immunotherapy depending on the case. Newer oral drugs (for example abiraterone or enzalutamide) can control advanced disease for many months. Side effects vary—bone loss, fatigue, hot flashes—so your doctor may add bone-protecting drugs and monitoring.
When medications are prescribed, cost and access matter. Some people compare local pharmacy prices, or check licensed Canadian pharmacies for savings. Always use a verified source and fill prescriptions with your doctor’s script to avoid unsafe products.
Practical tips: track your PSA over time, bring a partner or friend to appointments, write questions ahead, and ask about second opinions for major decisions. Lifestyle steps—regular exercise, healthy weight, balanced diet, and not smoking—help during and after treatment. Find support through cancer helplines or local groups to manage emotions and practical tasks.
Prostate cancer care is more personal than ever. Many men live long, active lives after diagnosis. Get straight facts from your healthcare team, weigh risks and benefits, and choose a path that fits your goals and life.
If you notice new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor promptly—early action often leads to better outcomes and options. Act now.
