For U.S. Healthcare Professionals Only
You can help in managing your cancer by developing a healthy lifestyle. Suggestions
for lifestyle changes include:
Stop Smoking
This improves overall health. Your sense of smell may improve, leading to greater
enjoyment of food and better nutrition.1
Diet
A healthy diet helps to combat decreased muscle mass, increased fat mass, and weight
gain that may occur with hormonal therapy. It enhances strength and energy level
while boosting overall health and well-being.2
A healthy nutritional regimen includes a variety of foods that provide the nutrients
needed to maintain health. These include proteins, carbohydrates, fat, water, vitamins,
and minerals. It's important to know that too much of some vitamins and minerals
can be as dangerous as too little, so dietary supplements should be discussed with
the doctor. Soy products and vitamin E may be useful in managing hot flashes. It
may be appropriate to discuss your nutritional needs with a nurse or registered
dietician.2
A healthy diet also is important since elevated blood sugar and an increased risk
of developing diabetes have been reported in men receiving the drugs in ELIGARD’s
class. Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels.
Weight gain may be a side effect of hormonal therapy. It occurs because of an increase
in total body fat.2 If you are receiving hormonal therapy, you may need
specific dietary advice to combat this weight gain.
Drinking eight full glasses of water daily helps digest food, may decrease total
food intake, and may help to alleviate constipation. However, you should not drink
eight glasses of water daily if you are retaining fluid; if this occurs tell your
doctor.2
Exercise
Physical activity helps to prevent decreased muscle mass, increased fat mass, and
loss of bone density. It may help relieve stress, decrease depression, reduce weight
gain, and lower cholesterol. Exercise boosts energy.2
You should engage in activities that are safe and enjoyable. Exercise should include
a combination of aerobic activities, like walking or swimming, and weight-bearing
activities. If you have not previously been exercising you should begin exercising
at a low level and work up to more exercise; this may require working with a physical
trainer. Exercise should be fun; you should not overdo it and you should get adequate
rest after you exercise.2
Increased risk of heart attack, sudden death due to heart attack, and stroke has
been reported in men with the use of the drugs in ELIGARD’s class. Your doctor will monitor
you for heart disease.
Manage Stress
Stress can lead to anger, depression, or anxiety. You should develop a support network
of people you can trust including your family and a support group for patients with
advanced prostate cancer. Stress can be managed by talking about feelings, getting
enough rest, taking a yoga class, meditating, listening to music, and engaging in
physical activity.2
Seek Help for Sexual Side Effects
Treatments for advanced prostate cancer can decrease libido or sexual response.
Maintaining open communication between partners is crucial. You may need to get
support from both health-care professionals and support groups.1