Prostate Cancer Health Center

During medical care for any stage of prostate cancer, there are things you can do at home to help manage symptoms of prostate cancer or side effects of treatment:

• Nausea or vomiting. After vomiting has stopped for 1 hour, sip a rehydration drink to restore lost fluids and nutrients. Watch for and treat early signs of dehydration. Older adults can quickly become dehydrated from vomiting. Your doctor may also prescribe medicines to control nausea and vomiting. For more information on how to deal with these side effects, see:

  Cancer: Controlling Nausea and Vomiting From Chemotherapy.

• Pain. For pain, talk to your doctor about using aspirin, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), or another type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Or ask about a narcotic medicine. You can also try an alternative therapy such as biofeedback. Be sure to discuss with your doctor any home treatment you use for pain.
• Diarrhea. Don't eat until you are feeling better. Take frequent, small sips of water or a rehydration drink and small bites of salty crackers. Begin eating mild foods (such as rice, dry toast or crackers, bananas, broth, and applesauce) the next day or sooner, depending on how you feel.
• Constipation. Make sure you drink enough fluids. Most adults should drink between 8 and 10 glasses of water or noncaffeinated beverages each day. Include fruits, vegetables, and fiber in your diet each day.
• Sleep problems. Often, simple measures such as having a regular bedtime, getting some exercise during the day, and avoiding caffeine late in the day can relieve sleep problems.
• Urinary problems. Home treatment for urinary incontinence includes eliminating caffeinated drinks from your diet and establishing a schedule of urinating every 3 to 4 hours, regardless of whether you feel the need. You may also try doing pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles.

During medical treatment for prostate cancer, you may experience emotional problems. See the following tips for managing:

• Stress. Expressing your feelings to others may help you understand and cope with them. Learning relaxation techniques may also be helpful.
• Poor body image. Your feelings about your body may change after treatment for cancer. Talk openly about your concerns with your partner. And discuss your feelings with your doctor, who may also be able to refer you to groups that can offer support and information.

Pain from cancer or its treatments can almost always be managed. If pain becomes a problem, talk to your doctor about seeing a pain management specialist. For tips on pain management, see:

Cancer: Controlling Cancer Pain.

For more information, see the topic Cancer Pain.