Living with a serious disease is not easy. People with cancer and those who care about them face many problems and challenges. Coping with these problems is often easier when people have helpful information and support services. Several useful booklets, including the National Cancer Institute booklet Taking Time, are available from the Cancer Information Service.

Friends and relatives can be very supportive. Also, patients may find it helpful to discuss their concerns with others who have or have had cancer. Cancer patients often get together in support groups, where they can share what they have learned about coping with cancer and the effects of treatment. It is important to keep in mind, however, that each patient is different. Treatments and ways of dealing with cancer that work for one person may not be right for another--even if they both have the same kind of cancer. It is a good idea to discuss the advice of friends and family members with the doctor.

People with cancer may worry about holding their job, caring for their family, or keeping up with daily activities. Worries about tests, treatments, hospital stays, and medical bills are common. Doctors, nurses, and other members of the health care team can answer questions about treatment, working, and other activities. Also, meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful to patients who want to talk about their feelings and discuss their concerns.

It is natural for a man and his partner to be concerned about the effects of prostate cancer and its treatment on their sexual relationship. They may want to talk with the doctor about possible side effects and whether these side effects are likely to be temporary or permanent. Whatever the outlook, it may be helpful for patients and their partners to talk about their concerns and to help one another find ways to be intimate during and after treatment.

Often, a social worker at the hospital or clinic can suggest local and national groups that can provide emotional support, financial aid, transportation, home care, or other services. The Cancer Information Service also has information on local resources. The American Cancer Society is one such resource. This nonprofit organization has many services for patients and their families and offers a free booklet on sexuality and cancer.

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