Prostate Cancer Can Reduce the Ability to Work

A new study conducted into men who have undergone treatment for prostate cancer has unearthed a shocking discovery: these men seem to suffer from a reduction in their capability to work, and this may even lead to an early retirement. It has a tendency to upset and vary a man’s working pattern. The lack of efficiency in work and continence, which are major parts of a man’s life must be recognized; if allowances can be made for them, it can help prevent such catastrophes.

• One group: 24 men were chosen for conducting this survey by a doctoral student, Wellam Yu Ko. They all had different occupations, and were of the age bracket 44-75. They were coming back to work after undergoing a radical prostatectomy surgery, and it had been less than 3 years after the surgery. The data was collected through interviews.
• Increased fatigue and lack of concentration: After the men took up to a month of sick leave, they returned to work, only to find that they suffered from increased tiredness and also a notable reduction in their ability to concentrate. Over time, this was a source of anxiety and even shame, leading to a vicious cycle.
• Previous studies had only focused on financial issues, not psychological ones:Though studies have been conducted in the past regarding men with prostate cancer, only the financial angle has been explored, like surmised by the study conducted by the Australian Prostate Cancer Foundation. The new survey being conducted has chosen to focus on the issue of reduced capability to work, and has stirred up a great deal of interest.

Post Yu Ko’s findings, there has been a deepening awareness in the issue, and it was even a major point of discussion at the International Psycho-Oncology Society Congress, which was held in Berlin recently.

About AuthorDr. Echt and his team at the Prostate Seed Institute offer the most highly sophisticated methods of radiation therapy available in the United States, equal to that found in major medical center and academic settings. These include prostate seed implantation, high dose radiation implants, and external beam radiation with image-guided and intensity-modulated (IGRT and IMRT) capabilities.

Dr. Echt and his team at the Prostate Seed Institute offer the most highly sophisticated methods of radiation therapy available in the United States, equal to that found in major medical center and academic settings. These include prostate seed impla