It no longer responds to treatments that block testosterone, a hormone that fuels prostate cancer growth.
As it spreads, mCRPC can cause new symptoms that may be noticeable.
These symptoms can change depending on where the cancer spreads.
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Some people may have severe symptoms, while others may not notice anything initially.
Knowing what to look for can help you or a loved one feel more prepared.
These new areas of cancer can cause avariety of symptoms.
The exact symptoms depend on where the cancer has spread and how much it has grown.
A person with mCRPC and their caregivers may experience a variety of emotional symptoms.
Emotional health is as important as physical health, and these symptoms should not be ignored.
One example is the effect on sexual health.
A main treatment for prostate cancer is to reduce the amount of testosterone in the body.
Sleep is another area that is also affected and can be impacted for various reasons.
MCRPC might be found during a routine checkup with testing such as blood work or scans.
Catching prostate cancer growth early can help doctors start treatment sooner and possibly slow down the cancers growth.
This is why keeping regular follow-ups are important.
Even small changes should be reported to your healthcare team so they can keep up-to-date on how youre feeling.
How to Manage MCRPC Symptoms
Managing symptoms from mCRPC is an important part of cancer care.
Palliative care aims to help you feel as comfortable as possible, physically and emotionally.
They can also help with making treatment decisions and planning for future care.
This kind of support can be helpful for the person with cancer and their caregivers.
Palliative care is there to support everyone involved.
Summary
Knowing what to expect when living with mCRPC can help you feel more in control.
Regular checkups, good communication with your healthcare team, and support for mental and emotional health are important.
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American Cancer Society.Treatments for prostate cancer spread to the bones.
Hui D, Heung Y, Bruera E.Timely palliative care: personalizing the process of referral.Cancers.
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