Editing Patient Pathways: Prostate Cancer (section)

== Supportive activities provided by health care institutions ==

'''Urological problems:''' urologists and physiotherapists help control incontinence.

'''Fatigue:''' nutritionists and physiotherapists help manage fatigue through tailored diet and exercise.

'''Psychological counseling:''' providing support from psychologists who help patients cope with anxiety, depression and stress related to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

'''Nutritional counseling:''' individual nutrition plans adapted to the needs of patients, which helps to maintain health during treatment and reduce side effects.

'''Informing patients:''' distribution of educational materials and brochures about prostate cancer.

'''Physiotherapy:''' programs for rehabilitation and restoration of physical function after surgery or therapy.

'''Medications to control side effects:''' Medicines to reduce side effects such as nausea, fatigue and pain.

'''Erectile dysfunction:''' Counseling and treatments by sexual health specialists.

'''Pain specialist:''' postoperative pain control.

'''Erectile dysfunction:''' Counseling and treatments by sexual health specialists.

'''Pharmacological treatment of erectile dysfunction after the procedure:''' The first line of treatment is phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5I) inhibitors. Unfortunately, only about 12-17% of men will respond to these medications in the first six months after surgery.

Despite nerve-sparing surgical techniques, oral medications are generally ineffective early after surgery because cavernous nerves are injured intraoperatively and sometimes take 24 months to heal.

'''Surgical installation of a penile prosthesis''' may be considered in patients who are unsuitable for various pharmacotherapies or prefer definitive therapy.

Although there are effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, many men avoid seeking medical attention for this condition. In men with prostate cancer, only 50% of men were interested in seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction and actually took steps to find treatment. Furthermore, there are very high dropout rates among those who seek help in the treatment of this condition. Considering the importance of penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy, difficulties in initiating and maintaining treatment could have a negative effect on men’s ability to regain an erection after the procedure.

'''Regular inspections:''' continuous monitoring of the patient’s condition after treatment for early detection of possible cancer return.

'''Management of chronic conditions:''' therapies to manage long-term side effects and comorbidities.

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