Will My Prostate Cancer Age Me?

Did you know that 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime?¹My father is 84 years old and got diagnosed at age 72. There are always signs of aging with any illness after we reach a certain age. What happens to the body when cancer comes to our cells? My father has had 2 types of cancer. What is going on in the body to bring this on? I have met people who have been diagnosed with a cancer lose weight and look as if they are aging faster.

Aging factors to keep in mind

I have seen first hand some of the factors in the aging process of having prostate cancer. It depends on a person's treatment, what stage they are in, and their overall health from the beginning.

We can’t assume when we hear the word cancer that the person will be automatically age twenty years. Treatments have come a long way in cancer treatment. Many are being successfully treated and go on to lead a great long life. Never give up hope.

Every cancer journey is different

There are some factors we often overlook in this journey. I have looked back at the whole picture. Of course, this is not the same for everyone. You might be a person who just got diagnosed and your treatment options might be more favorable for you. No one wants to be sick, but this doesn’t have to be the end, but a fight you will win.

Maybe you are someone who was told they have stage 4 cancer and you decide to refuse treatment. This may lead to aging because you are leaving the cancer untreated. Just remember you are not alone in this journey. There are support groups for people just like you. They will share their stories, answer questions, and help you feel less alone.

There are other scenarios where treatments are accepted and not tolerated.

Genes play a role

Genes and DNA can play a big role in our cancer as well. We are well aware that our DNA is a part of our cancer makeup and many of us find ourselves doing double duty. At this point, we may need to change our lifestyle. Cutting out fatty foods from your diet, quit smoking, drink alcohol in moderation (that is if the doctor says you can drink at all.)

We should age gracefully and age well. Many people living with prostate cancer look fabulous and have aged gracefully. My father has aged gracefully, and he opted for radiation treatment for his cancer. As I said, I think it’s all in the genes. A lot of people turn gray in their twenties, and then you have people in their fifties who don’t have one strand of gray hair. We all age differently and slowly. It is the same with wrinkles. I have seen many people young with wrinkles and they weren't even sick. I’ve seen people that were old and had no wrinkles; so we can age gracefully with or without cancer.

Taking care of yourself

How old do you look? Has cancer aged you and if so, are you getting the sleep you need? Are you eating the right foods? Are you exercising and taking the vitamins you need to take? Have you got rid of those habits that age the body? Do you live a high-stressed and worried life? These are just a few things to ponder. I’m just saying it all plays an important role with this disease. Lastly, there is a saying that my father uses a lot, “Change the things we can and the things we can’t will take care of themselves”. Live the best you can with cancer and just age gracefully.

Prostate cancer does not discriminate. It can take the one you love. Early detection is the key. Get tested.