People tend to notice changes in their bodies before others do. But sometimes, changes aren't so obvious. However, your partner might notice something.
Partners often pick up on subtle changes in each other’s behavior, mood, and health before the individual does. This attentiveness can help them identify when something's not quite right with your health. Addressing health concerns as early as possible usually leads to better outcomes.
If your partner is a man, you might notice changes in his urinary or sexual health. If you do, encourage him to see a doctor for a check-up and to talk about what's been different. The changes could stem from a non-cancerous prostate condition, or it could be related to prostate cancer. Taking action early is especially helpful if the cause is prostate cancer.
Recognizing Changes in Your Partner’s Health
Partners are in a unique position to spot patterns or symptoms that may signal a health concern. Ask yourself these questions:
- Is your partner waking frequently at night to use the bathroom?
- Has he mentioned pain during urination or ejaculation?
- Does he experience urinary urgency, feeling he hasn’t fully emptied his bladder?
- Are there sudden changes in sexual activity, such as difficulty maintaining an erection?
- Has he complained of discomfort in the back or pelvic area?
While these issues could indicate prostate cancer, they may also result from other non-cancerous conditions. Early medical evaluation is the only way to determine the cause so you can develop an appropriate plan of care.
Proactive Steps to Support Prostate Health
Prostate cancer symptoms don’t usually appear until the cancer has grown for a while, putting pressure on the bladder or causing pain. It’s a good idea to see a doctor every year, at a minimum, to discuss prostate health. Annual prostate cancer screening is also in order starting at the age of 45, even though prostate cancer most commonly affects men over 65.
If you have risk factors, it’s even more important to stay on top of regular screening. Risk factors include a family history of prostate cancer, smoking, or obesity.
If your partner is reluctant to schedule a visit, offer support by:
- Compiling a list of symptoms you’ve noticed or they’ve reported, as well as the medications they’re currently taking.
- Scheduling a joint medical appointment to make the process more convenient. If you both need to go to the doctor annually it may be easier for you to both go the same day. However, even if you don’t need a checkup, you’re always welcome to sit with your partner to listen to what the doctor says about the symptoms and any next steps.
- Reassuring him that prioritizing his health also brings you peace of mind.
What Is Involved in Prostate Cancer Screening?
Prostate cancer screenings include two parts:
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test: Measures PSA levels. Higher than normal PSA levels can indicate a prostate condition -- cancerous or non-cancerous -- that warrants further investigation.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): Allows a doctor to physically examine the prostate for abnormalities.
A high PSA test result doesn’t automatically mean a cancer diagnosis, especially if no lumps are found. Many non-cancerous conditions can also lead to elevated PSA levels and may require treatment. In most cases, a follow-up PSA test will be scheduled in the coming months to determine if levels return to normal or continue to rise. You should also continue monitoring any symptoms during that period of time to see if they get worse.
If you or your partner notices more changes, be sure to bring them up during the follow-up PSA test appointment. If several screening results suggest further evaluation is necessary, additional tests like a prostate biopsy may be recommended to confirm or rule out cancer.
Understanding the Next Steps After a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
If prostate cancer is detected after a biopsy, treatment options depend on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease.
- Active Surveillance: For slow-growing cancers, monitoring may be recommended with regular PSA tests and occasional biopsies to see if the cancer continues to grow. This phase will conclude if the cancer grows.
- Immediate Treatment: For advanced or aggressive cancer, you’ll most likely need to start treatment right away. More than one treatment may be needed, including surgery, radiation therapy, and/or hormone therapy.
Prostate cancer has one of the highest survival rates of any cancer and can be cured if it's detected early. Today, even men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer can have a better outcome thanks to improved treatment options.
Supporting Your Partner Emotionally After a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
A prostate cancer diagnosis can significantly impact your partner’s emotional and sexual well-being, leading to feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. This diagnosis can also affect self-esteem and body image, as well as create concerns about intimacy and sexual performance.
Additionally, crucial decisions may need to be made regarding treatment options, such as whether to undergo surgery, radiation, or other therapies. Each choice comes with its own set of potential side effects and implications for your partner's health, which can, in turn, affect your relationship.
During this challenging time, open and honest communication is absolutely vital. It is important to create a safe space where both partners can express their fears, hopes, and needs without judgment. Mindfulness practices can help both of you stay present and manage stress, while gentle touch and shared intimacy can foster a sense of closeness and reassurance. Engaging in these practices can help strengthen your relationship, providing a foundation of support and understanding as you navigate the complexities of a prostate cancer diagnosis together.
Prostate Cancer Care in the Capital Region
If you or your partner has received a prostate cancer diagnosis, the specialists at New York Oncology Hematology are here to help. Our expert team offers personalized prostate cancer treatment plans which often include active surveillance before starting treatment. Remember, surgery is not your only option. We encourage you to look at options that allow you to avoid, or delay, prostate removal surgery.
You can request an appointment at one of our locations throughout the Capital District, including Albany, Amsterdam, Hudson, Troy, and Clifton Park, New York. Second opinions are also available and encouraged. Talk about your options before making a decision.
