Best Types of Science-Backed Therapies for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can take a toll on your body. Complementary therapies may help you manage some of those unpleasant side effects. They work with — not in place of — your doctor's treatment plan. Complementary treatments differ from alternative medicine, which isn't always backed by research and usually isn't recommended. Complementary therapies are proven to work. They’re not cures on their own, but complementary therapies might help you feel better during your treatment.

How you feel physically can affect your mood. Mind-body therapies like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help calm your nervous system, lower stress and anxiety, and may even ease tiredness. Some research into yoga for people with cancer has shown other benefits, like better sleep and overall well-being. But we need more studies to fully understand this connection. Try creative therapies, such as art and music, as healthy outlets to express your emotions.

Keeping your body strong can help you better withstand your prostate cancer treatments. A massage therapist or an acupuncturist can target pain or other symptoms. Some massage therapists even specialize in oncology care and use techniques meant for people with cancer. Exercise on your own if you can. Options such as strength training, light cardio, and stretching all can help boost your energy, improve sleep, and offset muscle loss during and after your cancer treatment. Pace yourself and avoid overdoing it.

No single food or diet can cure cancer or make it any less likely to come back, but eating well during your treatment is important. It can help you better manage side effects, feel better faster, and boost your energy levels. Some research suggests that the Mediterranean diet — which recommends fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and proteins, such as fish — may help slow prostate cancer getting worse. This could be in part because of its focus on anti-inflammatory foods. As a good rule of thumb, aim to:

• Get at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
• Drink enough water (about six to eight glasses per day).
• Avoid or eat less red and processed meat.
• Eat fewer foods that are high in sugar, such as soda and cake.

The best way to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs is through whole foods. But if cancer treatment makes it harder to eat or drink, you might benefit from supplements. Common ones for prostate cancer include:

• Beta-sitosterol
• Saw palmetto
• Selenium
• Zinc

Early studies have shown some promising results, but researchers can't yet say for certain whether they really improve prostate cancer symptoms. Always check with your doctor before starting a new supplement. Some herbs can interact with and change the way cancer medications work.

Some people pair complementary therapies with prostate cancer treatment to help with pain. Some early research suggests that aromatherapy with plant-based essential oils might offer short-term relief from cancer pain. This could be because some oils may have anti-inflammatory effects. But we need more research to know for sure.

You can use these oils during a massage, add them to your bath, or simply smell them. Some of the most popular ones to try include:

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Eucalyptus
• Chamomile

For pain in one specific area, applying hot or cold packs can provide some relief. Just make sure to wrap them in a towel so they don't hurt your skin.

Managing prostate cancer symptoms like pain looks different for everyone. What works for one person might not work for you. But your health care team can help you find the right mix of medical and supportive therapies. That might include getting involved in a support group of people with a similar diagnosis. Talk therapy can also help manage the thoughts and emotions that come with prostate cancer. 

It may take some trial and error to find out what brings you the most relief, but you can find ways to make day-to-day life easier to manage.