Caring for someone with prostate cancer means caring for yourself, too
Support, practical advice, and helpful resources for the people who show up to appointments, manage medications, and simply listen.
Your health and well-being matter, too. Taking care of yourself is not separate from caring for someone you love.
You do not have to manage everything on your own
When someone you love is diagnosed with prostate cancer, life can change in unexpected ways. You may find yourself attending medical appointments, researching treatments, managing medications, or simply being there when your loved one needs someone to talk to.
Caregiving can be rewarding, but it can also be emotionally and physically demanding. These feelings are common.
All of these are normal
Taking care of yourself is an important part of making caregiving manageable over time.
Your caregiver self-care checklist
It is easy to put your own needs aside. You do not need a perfect routine. Small, realistic steps can make a difference. Tap anything you have done this week.
Remember: You do not have to do everything yourself. Accepting help is part of taking care of both yourself and your loved one.
Caregiver support groups and communities
Caregivers sometimes feel they should stay strong for everyone else. Having someone listen, answer questions, or simply understand can make a meaningful difference. Some groups focus on prostate cancer caregivers; others welcome anyone caring for a person with cancer.
A Forum for Her
A support community for women caring for someone with prostate cancer, with chances to connect with caregivers who understand the emotional and practical challenges.
Explore A Forum for HerSupport Group Finder
Search for virtual or in-person prostate cancer support groups. Many welcome spouses, partners, family members, and caregivers.
Find a support groupCaregiver Support Groups
Free support groups led by oncology social workers, including online options for spouses, partners, and other caregivers to share experiences and coping strategies.
Explore CancerCare support groupsOnline Peer Support
Connect with other patients, caregivers, and loved ones through online communities and peer-support resources.
Explore online peer supportOnline Women's Support Group
A free virtual group for women supporting men with prostate cancer. Share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who understand.
Learn about the women's support groupSupport group schedules and enrollment can change. Visit each organization's website to confirm current meeting information and registration requirements.
Questions worth asking
Questions to ask your own doctor
Caregivers often spend so much time on their loved one's health that they forget to discuss their own concerns with a healthcare professional.
If caregiving is affecting your sleep, mood, energy, or daily activities, consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor.
You do not need to wait until you feel overwhelmed to ask for help.
- Could the stress of caregiving be affecting my physical or emotional health?
- What should I do if I am having trouble sleeping or feeling exhausted?
- How can I manage ongoing stress or anxiety?
- Am I keeping up with the screenings, vaccinations, and checkups I need?
- Would counseling or another form of emotional support be helpful?
- What symptoms or changes in my health should I pay attention to?
- Are there local services or resources that could help me manage my caregiving responsibilities?
Questions to ask your partner's doctor
Appointments can involve a great deal of information about tests, treatment choices, and possible side effects.
With your loved one's permission, attending appointments and preparing questions in advance can help both of you better understand the care plan.
It may help to write down answers during appointments and ask the doctor to explain anything that is unclear.
- What is the current status of the prostate cancer, and what does it mean?
- What treatment options are available, and why are you recommending this approach?
- What side effects should we expect, and how can we help manage them?
- Are there changes in urinary, bowel, sexual, or emotional health that we should prepare for?
- Which symptoms should prompt us to call the medical team, and which require urgent attention?
- What can I do at home to support my partner during treatment and recovery?
- Who should we contact if questions or problems come up between appointments?
- Would a second opinion or consultation with another specialist be helpful?
- Are there support services, such as a social worker, nurse navigator, or counselor, available to us?
- If treatment costs are a concern, who can help us understand insurance coverage and financial assistance?
Know the basics, not everything
Understanding your loved one's diagnosis and treatment options can make medical conversations less intimidating. You do not need to become a medical expert, but knowing the basics may help you feel more prepared.
How to Talk to a Doctor as a Caregiver, with Silvia Cooper
Silvia Cooper shares her experience as a caregiver and patient advocate. A helpful starting point for caregivers who want to feel more comfortable asking questions and taking part in medical conversations.
Watch Silvia Cooper's videoTreating Side Effects of Hormone Therapy, with Dr. Mark Scholz
Hormone therapy is commonly used to treat prostate cancer and can cause side effects such as fatigue, mood changes, and sexual health changes. Dr. Scholz discusses ways patients and caregivers can understand and address them.
Watch the videoYou can also explore PCRI's prostate cancer educational videos to learn more about diagnosis, treatment options, and managing side effects.
Ask before you pay
Caregivers often help manage insurance questions, medication costs, and medical bills. These responsibilities can add stress, particularly when a recommended treatment is expensive.
Before paying a large amount for a medication, ask whether financial assistance or a lower-cost option may be available.
Lowering Your Treatment Costs and Getting Access to Your Medication
Practical questions to ask before paying for treatment, and where to look for help:
Your needs are important as well
You play an important role in your loved one's prostate cancer journey, whether you are helping with everyday tasks, making medical decisions together, or providing emotional support.
- You are allowed to take breaks.
- You are allowed to ask questions and seek support.
- You are allowed to make time for your own health.
- You do not have to have every answer or manage every challenge alone.
Caring for yourself is part of caring for someone you love. You are not alone.
Prostate Cancer Research Institute