What should you know about terminal prostate cancer?

A change in treatment goal is not a withdrawal of support. Clinicians can address pain, tiredness, nausea, low mood, sleep problems, urinary difficulties, and the needs of people close to the patient.

Some treatments may still be considered when they are likely to reduce a troublesome problem, while others may be stopped if they add more burden than benefit. The team should explain the purpose of each option in plain terms, including what it may and may not help with.

Supportive and palliative care brings attention to comfort, day-to-day function, emotional wellbeing, and practical arrangements. It can be requested at any point and can involve family members with the patient's permission.

Share changes in pain, mobility, appetite, bowel habits, sleep, or passing urine with the care team. Bring all medicines, including non-prescription products, into the discussion so the plan is safe and understandable.

It can help to identify a main contact person, discuss preferred place of care, and record wishes about future treatment. Ask how to reach the clinical team after hours and what equipment or home support might be arranged if needs increase.

Get urgent medical help for new weakness or numbness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe back pain, sudden confusion, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. These changes can require rapid assessment and treatment.

Seek prompt advice when urine cannot be passed, pain is not settling with the agreed medicines, vomiting persists, or the person cannot drink enough. Use the emergency contact details in the care plan when available.

Consider asking: What is the aim of each medicine or procedure? Which symptoms should we report straight away? Who coordinates comfort care? What support is available for carers? Can we talk through future decisions before there is a crisis?