Funding research and education to beat prostate disease
Caring for someone with prostate disease
If your partner, father, grandfather or brother has been diagnosed with prostate disease, it is important to know what you can do to help support them.
Your support is vital
The most important action you can take is to give your loved one every bit of support they need. Every man is concerned when they are first diagnosed, regardless of whether the diagnosis is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer or prostatitis. Both you and your partner or family member will have many questions, some of which may not be answerable straight away. This is a normal, healthy reaction.
Become an expert
A lot of anxiety can stem from being uninformed. It is generally much easier to deal with symptoms, treatment and lifestyle changes if you know what you are dealing with.
It is important to get a good understanding of the prostate: what it is, how it works and where it’s situated. It’s worth researching the specific prostate disease in question and the various treatment options available. For more information on all three of the main prostate diseases and the prostate, click on the links below
Understand their needs
It will quickly become obvious what sort of emotional and practical support your loved one needs. Some men will need your close support every step of the way and may want you to go with them to each medical appointment. Other men may internalise the situation and want to handle everything themselves. In either case, letting them know how much they are loved and valued will be of immense reassurance to them.
Stay positive
It is important to keep a positive frame of mind. Stay active, never brood over the problem and try to lead as normal a life as you can.
Look after yourself
Above all, look after yourself. Stay healthy and don’t take on more than your share of the emotional burden. It is only by remaining strong yourself that you can give your loved one the essential emotional and physical support they require.
