My husband (or father or grandfather or brother) has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. What can I do to help, and what do I need to know?

Your support is vital
The most important action you can take is to give your loved one every bit of support they need. Everyone is frightened when they are first diagnosed and dozens of questions spring to mind almost immediately, such as: What is this prostate cancer? How long have I got to live? How can I be treated? Can I be cured? How is this going to affect my life and that of those around me?... and many more. They won’t always share these questions with you but they will be asking themselves, and you have a role here.

Become an expert
Getting sensible information on these uncertainties is half the battle in coming to terms with the situation, so first of all help your loved one by doing some research on their behalf. The internet is an amazing source of information, and you can find out all sorts of stuff on every aspect of the prostate and cancer.

You can also give the helpline at Macmillan a call – 0808 800 1234 – it’s free and is manned by specialist cancer nurses who can answer all your questions. You can email them, or click here for information from their website.

Understand their needs
While all this information gathering is going on you’ll quickly see the sorts of emotional and practical support your loved one needs. Some men will need your close support every step of the way so – for example, you could offer to go with them when they visit their urologist. Others will internalize the situation and want to handle everything themselves, so let them do it, but still talk with them about what they are thinking. In either case, letting them know how much they are loved and valued will be of immense reassurance to them.

Stay positive
Also important is to keep a positive frame of mind. Stay active, and never brood over the problem. Lead as normal a life as you can – then add to it all the enjoyment you can. Think of all those things you always intended to do but never got round to. Look around for new interests and fun things to do. It’s amazing how you can use this setback as an excuse to transform your quality of life.

Remember you are important
Above all, look after yourself. Stay healthy and don’t take on more than your share of the emotional burden. After all, it’s only by remaining strong yourself that you can give your loved one the support essential to them.

For more information from other men on how they have dealt with their prostate cancer visit the Health Talk Online website

If you would like to find out about a local support group in your area then try the Prostate Cancer Support Federation

Prostate cancer patient Robert Davies has started a Blog all about his experiences of prostate cancer.  Robert was diagnosed at the young age of 39 .  He has a family history of prostate cancer and recently had a radical prostatectomy.  To read his blog click here