I have always found it strange and slightly disturbing that ’survival after five years’ is regarded as the usual statistical standard of success for prostate cancer treatment. I’m 65, in good health and fully intend to be around for another 20 years at least.
Longer term scientific follow up studies comparing success rates of the various forms of treatment seem to be rare. Where they do exist (eg Short- and Long-term Mortality With Localized Prostate Cancer) the comparisons are between treatments as administered at least ten years ago. There have been many developments in all the treatment options in the last ten years.
So the truth is that I just don’t know for certain whether my prostate will be a problem again at some point in the next 20 years. I am confident and upbeat. Statistics tell me that the early detection and treatment of my cancer point to at least a 91% chance of making it to age 75 and a 75% chance of making it to age 80.
So what can I do to maximise my chances?
First thing is to lose some of the weight I’ve put on in the last six months. Its very clear from all the studies I read that carrying extra weight is not the best way to reduce the risk of any type of cancer. In placing so much focus on my ‘dance’ with pc I failed to maintain my optimal weight and gained 15lb. Its time to put that right. I’m working on developing a healthy living plan for myself that will include pointers on diet, physical exercise and emotional/spiritual wellness. I will be chronicling my plan, the challenges and successes in future posts.
Your comments about keeping healthy and reducing a relapse of prostate cancer was very informative. I had surgery to remove prostate cancer 4 years ago, and I’m always looking for new ways to lower my risk of a relapse. Do you have any suggestions on foods that promote a healthy prostate?
This is very interesting, thank you. I wish you all the luck
My friend on Orkut shared this link with me and I’m not dissapointed that I came here.
I agree with you that the survival numbers with duration of only 5 years aren’t much use to patients who would usually like to think much longer term. It merely reflects patient survival as a useful ’statistic’ for comparison and I don’t think many us like our lives being described in terms of statistics.