Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. When the cancer spreads to distant areas of the body, it is considered end-stage prostate cancer. There is no cure for end-stage prostate cancer. Signs of end-stage prostate cancer can vary but may include urinary problems, bone pain, unintentional weight loss, and fatigue.
The end-stage prostate cancer symptoms you have can depend on what areas of the body the cancer has spread to. Prostate cancer is most likely to spread to the adrenal gland, bones, liver, and lungs. Since there is no cure, the goal is to ease any symptoms.
1. Urinary Problems
The prostate gland is located under the bladder. As prostate cancer grows and spreads, it may cause frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, frequent nighttime awakenings to urinate, and a weak flow of urine. Prostate cancer may also cause erectile dysfunction.
2. Bone Pain
End-stage prostate cancer often spreads to the bones. This can lead to several symptoms, including bone pain and fractures. Prostate cancer may affect bones in the hips, back, and chest. Bone pain can be hard to manage, and your healthcare team may recommend consulting with a pain or palliative care specialist.
3. Weakness
End-stage prostate cancer may spread to the spine, causing compression of the nerves that affect the limbs. This can lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. If prostate cancer spreads to the brain, it may cause balance issues.
4. Breathing Issues
The lungs are a common site for prostate cancer to spread to. People with end-stage prostate cancer may experience breathing problems, such as a chronic cough or shortness of breath. It may also cause frequent respiratory infections. Your healthcare team may recommend oxygen therapy if the cancer affects your lungs.
It is common for people with late-stage cancer to have an irregular respiratory rate that is very fast or very slow. You may notice gurgling sounds when fluid blocks the airway. Lying on your side may make breathing slightly easier.
5. Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition that occurs when there is a buildup of the pigment bilirubin in the blood. If this happens, your skin, mucus membranes, and whites of the eyes can turn yellow. Jaundice is often a sign of liver problems or disease.
When prostate cancer spreads to the liver, the body cannot balance fluids and chemicals as it normally does. The liver usually processes bilirubin, but when it is not functioning properly, bilirubin builds up in the blood, leading to jaundice. People with end-stage prostate cancer may also experience severe swelling in their abdomen, known as ascites.
6. Slowed Blood Flow
As cancer progresses, it may cause a reduction in blood flow throughout the body. This can affect several organs, including the skin. The skin may appear blue and feel cold.
7. Loss of Appetite
People with end-stage cancer often experience a loss of appetite. This may happen because the body needs to conserve energy. People who experience a loss of appetite often experience unintended weight loss as well.
Your healthcare team may recommend consulting with a dietitian to develop a personalized eating plan. If you have trouble swallowing, drinking liquids such as milkshakes through a straw may help alleviate the issue.
8. Digestive Changes
A tumor may block food from passing through the colon. This can lead to nausea, vomiting, bloating, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
9. Sleep Changes
End-stage prostate cancer may affect your sleep. You may experience an increased need for sleep, disrupted sleep, and daytime fatigue. People with late-stage prostate cancer often experience pain, which may impact their ability to fall asleep.
10. Confusion
It is common to feel confused in the final stages of cancer. If the cancer spreads to your brain, you may experience problems with confusion and memory.
You may also experience confusion if a bone tumor causes calcium to leak into the bloodstream. High levels of blood calcium may lead to confusion and coma.
Many cancer treatments also affect cognition and brain health. If you notice you feel very anxious or agitated, your healthcare team may recommend taking medication to help calm you down.
Caring for a loved one during their final days can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. You may be feeling a range of emotions. Knowing what to expect and how to help may help you to take action when needed.
When caring for a loved one who is dying, consider offering the following types of help:
- Physical: Your loved one may feel weak and tired. Offer physical help by assisting them with tasks such as moving and walking. If your loved one needs to stay in bed, help them change position every one to two hours to avoid bedsores.
- Pain control: Give your loved one their pain medications as prescribed, and call their doctor if the pain seems uncontrolled.
- Nutritional: Consult your loved one’s doctor about a proper diet, and offer to prepare their meals or snacks. If your loved one is having difficulty eating, offer sips of water or ice chips. Never force-feed your loved one.
- Respiratory: It is common to experience breathing changes at the end of life. Help your loved one find a comfortable position that allows them to breathe easier. Raising the head of their bed may help.
- Emotional: When spending time with your loved one, speak in a calm, quiet voice. Assume that they can hear you, even when their eyes are closed.
Where To Find Support
The cancer journey can be long and confusing. Seek support as often as possible. National resources for people with cancer and their caregivers include:
Late-stage prostate cancer refers to prostate cancer that has spread to distant areas of the body. Possible signs of end-stage prostate cancer include urinary problems, bone pain, weakness, shortness of breath, jaundice, loss of appetite, sleep changes, and confusion. Work with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that focuses on comfort and symptom management.
