Can I Live a Normal Life with Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In the UK, over 55,000 men are diagnosed with it every year through prostate cancer testing. The good news? Nearly 4 in 5 men survive at least 10 years after diagnosis — meaning you can continue to live a full and normal life.

During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (and any time of the year for that matter) is the perfect time to learn more about prostate cancer testing, from recognising the symptoms to getting a PSA check. It might just save your life.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland – a small, walnut-shaped gland directly below the bladder (it helps produce seminal fluid). It is the most common cancer in men, especially those over 50. Unlike other forms of cancer, it’s slow-growing, meaning it may never cause significant problems during a man’s lifetime. 

What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops from cancerous cells in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland directly located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra (it helps produce seminal fluid). Most cases of prostate cancer occur in older men, particularly those over 75. It often causes no symptoms early on, but as it grows, it can block the urethra, leading to:

• a weak stream

• dribbling

• urinary urgency

Prostate cancer should also be considered if you have any of the following symptoms that are not explained:

• blood in their urine or semen

• urine infection - burning sensation and frequent passing of urine

• experience pelvic discomfort

• unexplained back pain

• unable to have or sustain erections

• loss of appetite and weight loss

• lethargy

But as we've already said, in the early stages, you will not have any symptoms at all. That’s why early screening, before symptoms appear, is so important.

Types and Stages of Prostate Cancer

Almost all cases of prostate cancer are adenocarcinomas, which means they begin in gland cells. Doctors classify the cancer by grade (how abnormal the cells look under a microscope) and stage (how far the cancer has spread).

• Localised prostate cancer is confined to the prostate and may not require immediate treatment.

• Locally advanced cancer has spread to nearby tissues but is still potentially curable.

• Advanced or metastatic prostate cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes, and requires long-term management.

  
  

Based on your prostate cancer test results, your doctor may assign a Grade Group. This system replaces the Gleason score and ranges from 1 to 5. Grade Group 1 means the cancer cells look fairly normal and are likely to grow slowly, while Grade Group 5 indicates very abnormal, aggressive cells.

Understanding Your Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Hearing the words “you have prostate cancer” can feel overwhelming. But it’s important to know that not all prostate cancers are the same – and for many men, the condition progresses slowly. Usually, it remains confined to the prostate and responds well to treatment or even monitoring.

In fact, many men diagnosed today continue to live full, active lives for decades after their diagnosis. You’re much more likely to die with prostate cancer than from it. 

Not All Prostate Cancers Are the Same

Just hearing the word cancer can send us into a panic. But prostate cancer isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. Some types are indolent, growing so slowly they never need treatment, while others are more aggressive.

Your medical team looks at several factors:

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels from your blood tests

• Results from a prostate biopsy or MRI

• Your age, overall health, and personal preferences

  
  

A PSA check is a common screening method. Alongside a digital rectal examination (where your doctor gently feels your prostate), it helps identify men who may be at risk. However, these tests alone can't confirm a diagnosis.

Over three-quarters of men diagnosed with prostate cancer will continue to live normal lives for 10+ years. That being said, it’s still a serious condition. 

Your doctor may recommend active surveillance – closely monitoring the cancer rather than treating it immediately. This minimises treatment side effects while keeping a close eye on your health.

 PSA Test Results and What They Mean 

Prostate specific antigen, or PSA for short, is a protein secreted by the prostate gland. It can be detected in the blood and is used as one of the tools to screen for prostate cancer. 

If your results are elevated, please do not panic as it's not a perfect test. It can be elevated for a number of other reasons and does not automatically mean that you have prostate cancer. For example, recent sexual intercourse, riding a bicycle or having an infection of the prostate can all temporarily increase your PSA level.

The usual range for a PSA test is 0 to 4 nanograms per ml but this very according to your age group. If you're told that you have an elevated PSA test, it will need to be repeated and if still elevated then you may require additional tests, such as an MRI scan of the prostate to investigate things further.

Dr Gowda, Consultant Physician at Health Klinix suggests: "If you have symptoms of suspected prostate cancer, then please ask your doctor for a PSA test. If you’re over 50 years, you can request an NHS test even if you don’t have any symptoms."

The UK NICE guidelines on prostate cancer recommend the following PSA thresholds for referral in someone with symptoms of suspected cancer:

Age (years)	Prostate-specific antigen threshold (nanograms/mL)
Below 40	Use clinical judgement
40–49	More than 2.5
50–59	More than 3.5
60–69	More than 4.5
70–79	More than 6.5
Above 79	Use clinical judgement

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

If you receive a positive prostate cancer diagnosis, the first question many men ask is, “What are my treatment options – and how will they affect my life?” The good news is that treatments have come a long way. 

Common Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Your treatment will depend on your doctor’s evaluation. As mentioned, non-aggressive forms usually involve active surveillance (or watchful waiting). 

Treatment options for more aggressive forms include:

• Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy): Removes the prostate gland. It’s most often used for localised cancer and can offer a potential cure, but comes with possible side effects like incontinence or erectile dysfunction.

  
  

• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. External beam radiation or brachytherapy (radioactive seeds placed inside the prostate) are commonly used methods.

  
  

• Hormone Therapy: Lowers the levels of male hormones (androgens), such as testosterone, that prostate cancer cells rely on to grow. It’s often used for advanced cases or in combination with radiation.

  
  

• Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy: Typically reserved for more advanced or resistant cases, especially if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.

  
  

Side Effects and Daily Life

Every treatment has potential side effects. It's important to weigh these risks against the benefits, especially when considering their impact on your relationships, work, and daily activities.

The most common side effects from prostate cancer treatments include:

• Urinary incontinence (leaking urine)

• Erectile dysfunction

• Fatigue

• Hot flushes (especially with hormone therapy)

• Changes in bowel habits (especially with radiation)

  
  

But here’s the reassuring part: even if you develop side effects, many will resolve with time and a little help. Pelvic floor exercises, medication, counselling, and specialist physiotherapy can help you return to normal, or very close.

Quality of Life Considerations

If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you don’t just want to survive, you want to enjoy a good quality of life. That means considering how you feel, function, and live day-to-day. Thankfully, with the right support, many men continue to lead fulfilling, active lives for years to come. 

Coping with Fatigue, Incontinence, and Sexual Health

Reading the lists of symptoms and side effects can feel disheartening. Erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, fatigue – your body no longer feels like your own. You don’t feel in control.  It doesn’t have to be that way.

• Fatigue is common (especially during treatment). However, keeping physically active, eating well, and pacing your day can restore your energy levels. In fact, you might end up fitter than you began.

• Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction are potential side effects of surgery or radiation. Because the nerves, bladder, and blood vessels are connected to the prostate gland, removing it (or the cancer) can cause the unwanted effects.

The good news? They’re often manageable. Bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, medications, and even surgical solutions can make a real difference. Your sexual health, in particular, doesn’t have to suffer. Talking to your partner and working with a specialist can help you adapt, stay connected, and continue to enjoy an active life in and out of the bedroom.

Supporting Your Mental Health

Let’s be honest: as men, we bottle up our problems. We feel the need to be strong for those around us – and to feel wanted and needed. We don’t like it when it’s the other way around. 

But it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious or low after a prostate cancer diagnosis. You’re not alone. It’s not weak or emotional – it’s human. Talking to a counsellor or joining a support group can help you process your emotions in a way that feels natural. You'll also gain reassurance from others who’ve been through the same experience.

• Support Groups – Prostate Cancer UK

• Resources – Cancer Research UK

  
  

Relationships, Work, and Daily Life

You can continue to work during or after treatment. However, you may need to make a few adjustments to your life. Honest conversations with your employer and loved ones can set realistic expectations. Explain that you want to keep going and ask your employer how you can come to an arrangement that works for everyone. 

At home, staying active in your relationships, hobbies, and routines can restore a sense of normality. In fact, many men say the experience deepens their perspective and strengthens their personal connections.

Healthy Living with Prostate Cancer

Whether you’re fighting cancer, recovering from treatment, or simply trying to stay positive, living healthily is one of the best ways to support your body and mind.

It’s the part you can control.

• Changing your diet to include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein supports your immune system and gives your body a fighting chance. You’ll have more energy, less inflammation, and a greater chance of success. Cut out processed foods, sugar, and red meat (or at least reduce your consumption).

• Exercise is another component. Light activities like walking or stretching can boost energy levels and support your recovery. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement most days, with your doctor’s guidance. 

Prostate Cancer Testing and PSA Checks at Health Klinix

Health Klinix offers quick, accurate PSA blood tests and prostate cancer checks to help detect issues early — often before symptoms appear. Our expert team provides clear results, professional guidance, and personalised next steps based on your health profile.

Early detection can give you more options and greater peace of mind.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Book your PSA Blood Test today — or explore our Health Membership for a health check that includes a cholesterol blood test and cardiovascular assessments. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Cancer

What are common symptoms of prostate cancer, and when should you see a doctor?

There are a range of symptoms, such as difficulty urinating or blood in their urine or semen. If you have any of them, please go and see a doctor, if it's nothing serious they won't mind reassuring you. If you're worried for any reason (for example, if there is a family history or you’re of black Afro-Caribbean heritage) Health Klinix can I offer you a PSA test even if you do not have symptoms

Questions to ask after a prostate cancer diagnosis

If you've been given a prostate cancer diagnosis, we understand that it can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. Some forms of prostate cancers, however, are slow growing and may not require any immediate treatment. So do you ask what grade (how aggressive) and stage (how much it has spread) it is.

There are various options such as hormonal therapy, radiotherapy and surgery, if you do require treatment – make sure you discuss this with your specialist.

Why is prostate cancer often described as slow-growing?

There are different types of prostate cancers depending on how aggressive cancer cells are. Some are slow growing and may simply require observation initially, whereas others are very aggressive and will need to be treated.

Are there any diet and lifestyle changes to support prostate health?

We don't recommend any specific diet as such for prostate cancer. However, a generally healthy diet and lifestyle will improve your overall health and help you to manage your prostate cancer better.

References

1. Cancer Research UK. (n.d.). Prostate cancer statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/prostate-cancer

2. NHS. (n.d.). Prostate cancer. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/

3. Prostate Cancer UK. (n.d.). Prostate information and support. Retrieved from https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/

4. Macmillan Cancer Support. (2021). Prostate cancer. Retrieved from https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/prostate-cancer

5. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. (2025). Prostate cancer. Retrieved from https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/prostate-cancer/

6. Patient.info. (2023). Prostate cancer. Retrieved from https://patient.info/cancer/prostate-cancer

7. Healthline. (2022). Prostate cancer: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/prostate-cancer

8. Prostate cancer: How should I assess a person with suspected prostate cancer? UK guidelines

9. Diet and prostate cancer. Prostate cancer UK

Written by:

Dr Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc

Approved by:

Dr Ravi Gowda, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine

MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP