Life After Prostate Cancer: One Survivor’s Story

In 2017, Al Carl received news no man hopes to hear. He found out he had late-stage prostate cancer.

Further testing showed the disease had already moved beyond his prostate area, and had infected 11 surrounding lymph nodes. Facing a daunting treatment plan, Carl underwent robotic surgery, 33 rounds of radiation over five weeks and six months of hormone therapy designed to wipe out his body’s testosterone in hopes of making it out the other side alive.

The good news was that he did. It was an intense journey, but nearly a decade later Carl became living proof that even aggressive prostate cancer has the chance to be beaten.

Today his screenings show no signs of cancer resurging and he’s out living an active life in Ottawa while leading prostate cancer support networks across Canada and board member of Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada.

So, can you live a normal life after prostate cancer? For many men, yes. Outcomes depend on factors including the type and stage of cancer, the treatment needed and your overall health. Treatment can also cause lasting physical and emotional side effects. But many men continue to live active, fulfilling lives during and after prostate cancer treatment.

“I live and breathe prostate cancer every day because I know early detection saves lives,” said Carl. “As men, we may not even know if our dad had prostate cancer. We don’t talk about medical things, and therefore we don’t get tested.”

Prostate cancer is highly treatable when caught in time, and you have the power to keep yourself safe from it, once you understand your options.

Can prostate cancer be detected before you have symptoms?

One of the biggest misconceptions about prostate health is assuming you will feel sick if something is wrong. In reality, early-stage prostate cancer rarely causes obvious warning signs.

“You don’t feel anything until they diagnose that you need treatment,” Carl explained.

While some men might notice urinary changes (like needing to go more frequently, especially at night) these changes can often be caused by common, non-cancerous conditions like an enlarged prostate.

Relying on “feeling fine” isn’t worth the risk. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men, and the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100% when it’s detected early enough.

When prostate cancer goes undetected until its advanced stages, it can metastasize to the bones and other organs, where treatment becomes significantly harder. Proactive screening is the single most effective tool to catch the disease early.

How do you get tested for prostate cancer?

If the thought of a physical exam has made you put off an appointment then there’s good news. Prostate cancer screening relies primarily on a quick blood test called a PSA test.

“Think of the PSA test like the check engine light on your car,” Carl said. “If your PSA level is higher than normal or spiking quickly year-over-year, it tells you and your doctor that it’s time to investigate further.”

Because non-cancerous issues can also cause temporary spikes in testing, doctors evaluate your baseline and trends over time rather than relying on a single snapshot.

When should men get screened for prostate cancer?

Navigating prostate screening requires a bit of know-how:

• Ages 40 to 45: Men facing elevated risks, such as Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer can benefit from requesting a baseline PSA test sooner than most. 
• Ages 50–69: Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of a PSA blood test. Together, you can weigh the benefits (early detection) against the risks (false positives, unnecessary tests, or treatment side effects).
• Over 70: Screening isn’t usually recommended unless you’re very healthy and expected to live 10+ more years.

Can prostate cancer be cured?

Most prostate cancers are highly treatable when found early. Treatment and outlook depend on the type of prostate cancer, how aggressive it is and whether it has spread. Some prostate cancers grow slowly and may only need careful monitoring, while others require surgery, radiation, hormone therapy or a combination of treatments.

Carl’s cancer required aggressive treatment because it had already spread beyond his prostate.

Navigating treatment and life after a prostate cancer diagnosis

Treatment options really depend on how early the cancer is caught. While Carl required surgery, radiation and hormone therapy due to his advanced diagnosis, many early-stage cancers are slow-growing and can be safely monitored with less aggressive treatments.

For those who do undergo treatment, side effects like temporary incontinence, erectile dysfunction or hot flashes can happen. Recovery looks different for everyone, and some men may need ongoing help managing physical, sexual or emotional side effects of treatment.

But you don’t have to deal with it on your own. Through a national network of support groups, organizations like Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada connect newly diagnosed men directly with survivors.

“If your doctor says your incontinence should improve in three months but then in five months it hasn’t, men worry,” Carl said. “We connect you with someone who has lived through it so you know how to adapt without feeling like something is wrong with you.”

How to stay healthy during and after prostate cancer treatment

Looking after your overall health can also play an important role during and after prostate cancer treatment. Healthy habits can support recovery, help manage some treatment side effects and improve your long-term health. 

Doctors recommend:

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to more aggressive forms of prostate cancer and complicates treatment.
  
• Staying physically active: Regular cardiovascular and strength training supports overall health and helps manage side effects if treatment is ever needed.
  
• Eating a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables while limiting heavily processed foods.
  
• Prioritizing mental health: Managing stress and keeping open channels of communication with loved ones and peers are key components of long-term wellness.

Whether you’re considering prostate cancer screening, going through treatment or adjusting to life afterward, staying involved in your health and asking for support when you need it can make a difference.

“Don’t play the odds,” Carl advised. “Get tested early, get a baseline, and encourage your friends and family members to do the same.”