A patient’s prognosis, or his chance of recovery depends on a number of things. Firstly, the stage of the cancer or how far gone the disease is in his body. This is crucial as knowing how widespread the disease is and how much of the prostate and other body parts it has affected can determine the success of treatments.

It is also important to consider the patient’s health and age. Such factors can indicate the body’s ability to withstand the treatment procedures and to recuperate after being subjected to radiation, chemotherapy, etc.

Lastly, it is important to know whether the cancer is newly-discovered or is a recurrence of a previous infection.

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There are certain vitamins, minerals and natural products provide protection against cancer. Whether in the form of fruit, tea or food supplements, these nutrients are a major asset to everyone wanting to protection from cancer. One of the most well known vitamins that most men neglect is vitamin E. It has been shown in several studies that vitamin E, particularly in conjunction with Selenium, could have a protective role against prostate cancer. It helps combat free radicals that play a role in the appearance of cancer. The results of a cancer prevention is that incidence of prostate cancer in those taking the daily dose of vitamin E showed an overall reduction of 32% over those who are not taking.

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Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. When detected early, before it has spread to other organs, prostate cancer may be curable. A man’s risk for prostate cancer increases with age, and most cases develop in men over age 65 but many older men with prostate cancer die of another cause like heart disease before the cancer has grown enough to cause problems. There is controversy about the value of using digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigens (PSA) blood test to screen men for prostate cancer. Detecting early prostate cancer may not improve quality of life or prolong life, especially in men who are older or have other serious problems. Therefore many experts are uncertain whether routine screening is appropriate for all men. Since it’s really that much helpful to men, go and talk to your doctor to learn about your risk in getting prostate cancer and whether if screening test are still appropriate for you.

Let us dwell on the emotional and psychological effect that prostate cancer can bring. Normally, this disease develops among men in advanced age; however with the recent advances on the screening tests, more men below 65 years old have been diagnosed. Younger men are more vulnerable to the psychological effects of prostate cancer. After treatment, erectile dysfunction or impotence can be a side effect. Younger men are more affected by this fact especially that they have longer years ahead of them to think about. Depression and lack of confidence are the leading psychological effects after treatment. People around survivors of this disease should be more sensitive and supportive to them to enable them restore their old self-esteem.

A side effect of the treatment for prostate cancer (note that it is the treatment, not the disease) is erectile dysfunction or impotence. Impotence is the failure to maintain erection for sexual activities.

Among the treatments that may cause impotence are; cryosurgery, hormonal treatments, radiation therapy, and surgery. This side effect can be directly attributed to the treatment and which could be either permanent or temporary. However, since as most treatments have their respective psychological effects, impotence may be a result of psychological manifestations.

Impotence acquired after treatment of prostate cancer can be cured by taking medications specifically for erectile dysfunction.