Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, affecting nearly 1 in 8 men in their lifetime. Most people with prostate cancer survive for many years after diagnosis, especially when it’s caught during the early stages of disease.

Some treatment options can cause undesirable side effects, and receiving a cancer diagnosis can be difficult. People with cancer need a good support network.

Adult children are often involved in caring for their parents with cancer because it is more common in later life.

It may be difficult to know where to start when caring for a loved one with cancer. In this article, we will look at seven ways you can support a parent with advanced cancer.

Language matters

Sex and gender are on the spectrum. The term “men” is used to refer to sex assigned at birth. Your gender identity may not match how your body responds to this disease.

A person with cancer may be confused, frustrated, or scared. It may feel awkward to talk about some topics, but it is important to let your parent know that you are available to talk about whatever they need.

“Being supportive doesn’t mean that every conversation needs to be about cancer Some people like talking to their loved ones about hobbies or interests.”

“Many people with cancer are eager to have support, but others may be reluctant to talk about their health concerns or share their feelings. If your parent doesn’t want to talk, let them know that you’re there if they need you.”

The American Cancer Society offers advice on effective and compassionate communication for caregivers.

Learning more about the disease and the treatment options can help relieve some of the mystery surrounding it. It can help you give accurate information to your loved ones so they know what to expect.

There are a variety of professional organizations that provide information about the disease.

You can get ahead of the situation by talking with your parent about how you can help with their healthcare.

If you help them, you will need their consent to allow their healthcare team to share their medical information with you.

If your parent consents to you being involved in their healthcare, your medical team will need a record of that on file. They may ask you to sign a release form before the appointment or you can accompany them.

It is important to set realistic expectations about what help you can give, whether that be showing up emotionally, physically, or in other ways. It is important that you are respected in your role as a caregivers.

“Take notes at doctor’s appointments if your parent is comfortable with it.”

It can be helpful to have a person with cancer remind them of details they missed at their appointments, as they may have difficulties remembering.

You can help them understand the risks and benefits of treatment by researching it with their doctor.

You can help keep their healthcare team updated on how they’re doing and the symptoms they’re experiencing. Research suggests that when symptoms are shared with doctors by caregivers, they’re more likely to be addressed.

Make sure that you keep a list of your key contacts on you, and that all of their care team has your contact information as well.

It can be difficult to care for a parent with cancer alone. There are many resources available to help you and your parent.

People with cancer can feel more connected in support groups, which can give them an opportunity to ask questions and discuss their feelings with other people who are going through the same thing.

Your parent’s doctor can help you find local support groups. The Prostate Cancer Foundation also provides links to a variety of online prostate cancer support groups on their website.

If your parent is having difficulties with their disease, you might want to talk to their healthcare team about other mental health resources.

Make sure your parent has completed all the legal paperwork, such as an advance healthcare directive and power of attorney forms.

It is possible to make copies of these documents for your own records, along with health insurance cards and other important financial information.

Advanced prostate cancer may require several different kinds of treatment and may involve multiple doctors. It can also be helpful for caregivers to help their parents understand their health insurance coverage and what to do if their claim is denied.

It is important to care for yourself as well so you can show up for your parent when they need you, as it is difficult to care for someone with cancer.

Take time to enjoy the things you love. You can connect with your own support networks. It is important to talk about your feelings and experiences to protect your health.

“Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly will keep your immune system healthy. Consider using stress management techniques to deal with your parent’s illness.”

If you become concerned about your mental health, a 2017 study suggested that cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress in caregivers of family members with prostate cancer.

“It’s important to understand that you may not be able to do everything. If you can, you can lighten your workload by giving other members of the family responsibilities.”

Professional resources can be used to help with transportation to medical visits.

People with cancer are often helped by caregivers who are often a source of comfort and relief.

There are additional resources that can be found if you are looking for ways to support a parent with cancer.

Adult children often end up caring for their parents when they have a diagnosis of prostrate cancer.

It is important to remember to care for yourself if you are caring for a parent with cancer. This will help you connect with your parent.