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Glossary of Prostate Cancer & Men’s Health Terms
Understanding prostate cancer often means learning a new language. This page explains key terms in simple, everyday words so men, partners, and families can better understand diagnosis, treatment, side effects, and lifestyle choices.
Most definitions include why the term matters for prostate cancer, prostate health, or men’s health.
A
Active Holistic Surveillance
A term describing active surveillance plus lifestyle changes such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, and attention to environmental exposures. The goal is to monitor low-risk prostate cancer closely while also supporting whole-body health. This matters because many men want to delay or avoid treatment side effects while still taking action to protect their long-term health. Blue Cure founder Gabe Canales was introduced to this concept in 2010 and continues to follow active surveillance with a strong lifestyle focus.
Active Surveillance
A plan to monitor low-risk prostate cancer with regular PSA tests, exams, imaging, and sometimes repeat biopsies instead of treating right away. Treatment is started only if there are signs the cancer is changing or growing. This matters because many prostate cancers are slow-growing, and active surveillance helps men avoid or delay side effects from surgery or radiation.
Aerobic Exercise
Any activity that raises your heart rate for a sustained time, like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. Aerobic exercise supports heart health, weight management, and mood. This matters for men with prostate cancer because good cardiovascular health can improve treatment tolerance, recovery, and overall survival.
Anejaculation
Having an orgasm without releasing semen. This is common after prostate surgery because the prostate and seminal vesicles are removed. It matters because men are often surprised that they can still have sexual pleasure and orgasm even though ejaculation is changed or no longer occurs.
Anorgasmia
Difficulty or inability to reach orgasm, even with stimulation. It can happen after surgery, radiation, or from some medications. This matters because it affects quality of life and relationships, and men should know that therapy, medication adjustments, or sexual medicine specialists can sometimes help.
Antioxidants
Natural substances found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and tea that help protect cells from damage. Antioxidants support overall health and may reduce inflammation. This matters because many lifestyle and diet recommendations for prostate health emphasize eating more antioxidant-rich plant foods.
B
Benign
Non-cancerous. A benign condition or tumor does not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. This matters because not every prostate enlargement or PSA rise is cancer, and men often need reassurance about that.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can cause urinary symptoms like weak stream, frequent urination, or getting up at night. BPH can raise PSA levels. This matters because many men have BPH, and it can be confusing to separate BPH symptoms from prostate cancer.
Biochemical Recurrence
A rise in PSA after treatment such as surgery or radiation, suggesting prostate cancer cells may still be present. It does not always mean visible cancer on scans, but it usually triggers more evaluation. This matters because PSA after treatment can be an early warning sign, and men often hear this term in follow-up visits.
Biopsy
A procedure where small samples (cores) of prostate tissue are removed with a needle and examined under a microscope. Biopsies are usually done when PSA, MRI, or exam findings are concerning. This matters because biopsy results (Grade Group, Gleason, number of positive cores) strongly influence treatment decisions.
Biomarkers
Measurable substances such as genes, proteins, or other markers that give information about a cancer’s behavior. Some biomarkers predict how aggressive a cancer is or whether certain treatments might work. This matters because biomarker testing can help personalize prostate cancer care.
Body Fat Percentage
The amount of fat in your body compared to everything else (muscle, bone, organs, fluid). High body fat, especially around the waist, is linked with inflammation and metabolic problems. This matters because obesity and excess visceral fat may worsen overall health and can affect treatment tolerance and sexual health.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
A number calculated from height and weight to estimate body size. BMI doesn’t distinguish fat from muscle but gives a rough idea of weight category. This matters because high BMI can signal higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions that also affect prostate cancer outcomes.
C
Cancer
A disease where abnormal cells grow and divide out of control and can spread to other parts of the body. Not all cancers grow at the same speed or behave the same way. This matters because prostate cancer can range from very slow-growing to aggressive, and understanding that helps men make informed choices.
Carcinoma
A type of cancer that starts in the cells lining organs or glands. Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, a type of carcinoma. This matters mainly because you may see “prostatic adenocarcinoma” in pathology reports.
Cardiovascular Fitness
How well your heart and lungs supply oxygen during exercise. Better fitness is linked with longer life and fewer chronic diseases. This matters because men with good fitness often handle prostate cancer treatments better and recover faster.
Checkpoint Inhibitors
A type of immunotherapy drug that “releases the brakes” on the immune system so it can attack cancer cells more effectively. These drugs only help some prostate cancers with specific genetic features. This matters because men may hear about immunotherapy and want to know if it applies to their type of disease.
Circadian Rhythm
Your body’s internal clock that influences sleep, hormone release, digestion, and energy. Disrupted sleep patterns can affect mood, metabolism, and inflammation. This matters because good sleep is part of lifestyle medicine and recovery for men living with or after prostate cancer.
Climacturia
Leaking urine at the time of orgasm, usually after prostate surgery. It happens because muscles and valves that control urine can be affected by surgery. This matters because many men are embarrassed by it, but pelvic floor therapy and other strategies can help.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
A machine used during sleep to treat sleep apnea by keeping the airway open with gentle air pressure. Treating sleep apnea can improve energy, mood, and heart health. This matters because sleep apnea and poor sleep can worsen fatigue and overall health in men with prostate cancer.
Counseling
Talking with a mental health professional to cope with stress, fear, depression, or anxiety. Counseling can help men and families adjust to a diagnosis and changes from treatment. This matters because prostate cancer affects emotional and mental health, not just the body.
D
Diabetes (Type 2)
A condition where the body does not use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar over time. It increases the risk of heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage. This matters because diabetes and prostate cancer often occur in the same age group, and both can affect sexual function and overall health.
Dietary Fiber
The part of plant foods that the body cannot fully digest. Fiber helps regulate digestion, blood sugar, and cholesterol. This matters because high-fiber, plant-forward diets support heart and metabolic health and may support better long-term outcomes for men with prostate cancer.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
A quick exam where a doctor gently inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for lumps or firmness. It takes less than a minute. This matters because DRE, combined with PSA, can help detect prostate abnormalities earlier.
Disease-Free Survival
The length of time after treatment during which no cancer is detected. It does not always mean “cure” but it is a positive sign. This matters because men often see this phrase in studies and survivorship statistics.
Disparities (Health Disparities)
Differences in health and outcomes across groups based on race, ethnicity, income, or access to care. For example, Black men are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and to die from it. This matters because awareness of disparities can encourage earlier screening, better outreach, and targeted support.
E
Ejaculation
The release of semen during sexual climax. After prostate surgery, men typically can no longer ejaculate semen because the prostate and seminal vesicles are removed, although orgasm is still possible. This matters because many men are not told this clearly before treatment and are surprised by the change.
Endocrine Disruptors
Chemicals in some plastics, pesticides, and products that can interfere with the body’s hormone system. Research continues on how these exposures may influence cancer risk. This matters because many men want to reduce avoidable hormone-disrupting exposures as part of a long-term health plan.
Environmental Toxins
Harmful substances in air, water, food, or products that may affect health, such as certain industrial chemicals or pollutants. This matters because minimizing unnecessary exposures can be one part of an overall lifestyle approach to health and cancer prevention.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual activity. ED is common after prostate surgery, radiation, and with aging or conditions like diabetes. This matters because it affects quality of life, but there are many treatments including medication, devices, injections, and implants.
Erectile Recovery
The process of regaining erections after prostate cancer treatment. Recovery depends on age, baseline function, type of treatment, and whether nerves were spared. This matters because recovery can take months to years, and setting realistic expectations helps men and partners cope and plan.
Exercise Oncology
A field of research and practice that studies how exercise affects cancer risk, treatment side effects, and survivorship. Programs are designed to match a person’s health and treatment stage. This matters because consistent movement can improve fatigue, mood, strength, and possibly outcomes for men with prostate cancer.
F
Focal Therapy
Treatment that targets only the part of the prostate that contains cancer, rather than the entire gland. Examples include HIFU or cryotherapy. This matters because focal therapy may offer fewer side effects for selected men, but it is not appropriate for every type of prostate cancer.
G
Genomic Testing
Tests that look at the activity or makeup of genes in cancer cells to estimate how aggressive a tumor is or which treatments may work best. This matters because genomic tests can help men decide between active surveillance and more aggressive treatment.
Germline Testing
Genetic testing that looks for inherited changes (mutations) passed down in families, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. These mutations can increase prostate cancer risk. This matters because results can guide screening for relatives and may influence treatment choices.
Gleason Score
An older scoring system from 6 to 10 describing how prostate cancer cells look under the microscope. Higher scores indicate more aggressive cancer. This matters because many men still see Gleason scores in reports, even though Grade Group is now more commonly used.
Grade Group
A simplified modern system that classifies prostate cancer from Grade Group 1 (least aggressive) to Grade Group 5 (most aggressive) based on biopsy findings. This matters because it helps men understand risk level and treatment options in a clearer way.
H
Health Disparities
See Disparities.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
A focal therapy that uses precisely focused ultrasound waves to heat and destroy targeted areas of prostate tissue. This matters because it may be an option for some men who want to avoid whole-gland treatment, though long-term data are still evolving.
High-Risk Disease
Prostate cancer with features (such as high PSA, high Grade Group, or extensive involvement) that make it more likely to grow or spread. This matters because high-risk disease usually requires active treatment and sometimes a combination of therapies.
Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy, ADT)
Treatment that lowers or blocks male hormones (androgens) like testosterone that fuel prostate cancer growth. ADT is often used for advanced or recurrent disease. This matters because it can be very effective, but it also causes side effects such as hot flashes, fatigue, weight gain, and changes in sexual function.
Hot Flashes
Sudden waves of heat, sweating, or flushing, often caused by hormone therapy. This matters because hot flashes can disrupt sleep, mood, and daily life, and men may not expect them.
I
Immunotherapy
Treatment that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Only certain prostate cancers with specific genetic features respond well to immunotherapy. This matters because men often hear about immunotherapy in the news and want to know whether it applies to them.
Insulin Resistance
A condition where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels over time. This can lead to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. This matters because insulin resistance is tied to inflammation, weight gain, and cardiovascular risk, all important for men with prostate cancer.
Integrative Medicine
An approach that combines standard medical treatments with evidence-based lifestyle and supportive therapies like nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sometimes acupuncture or mindfulness. This matters because many men with prostate cancer want a whole-person plan, not just a single procedure or drug.
Intracavernosal Injection (ICI)
A treatment in which medication is injected into the side of the penis to produce an erection by increasing blood flow. Many men use this after surgery when pills are not enough. This matters because it offers an effective option for ED that often works even when nerves are healing.
K
Kegel Exercises
Exercises that tighten and relax the pelvic floor muscles, often described as the muscles used to stop urine flow. Regular practice can improve urinary control and sometimes sexual function. This matters because Kegels are a key part of recovery after prostate surgery.
L
Libido
Sexual desire or interest. Libido can be affected by stress, hormone levels, fatigue, or relationship factors. This matters because many men on hormone therapy or after treatment experience changes in libido and may need support and honest conversations with partners and doctors.
Lifestyle Medicine
A medical specialty focused on preventing and treating disease with changes in nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, avoiding risky substances, and strong social connections. This matters because lifestyle changes can help men feel and function better through and after prostate cancer treatment.
Localized Prostate Cancer
Cancer that is confined to the prostate and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. This matters because localized disease often has many treatment choices, including active surveillance for lower-risk cases.
Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer
Cancer that has grown just outside the prostate into nearby tissues but hasn’t spread to distant organs. This matters because it often requires more aggressive or combined treatment.
Low-Risk Disease
Prostate cancer with features suggesting a lower chance of growing or spreading quickly (for example, low PSA, Grade Group 1, and limited disease on biopsy). This matters because many men with low-risk disease are good candidates for active surveillance instead of immediate treatment.
M
Malignant
Cancerous. Malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. This matters because hearing “malignant” confirms that cancer is present.
Mediterranean Diet
A way of eating that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, olive oil, and fish, with less red and processed meat. This matters because this pattern is linked to better heart and metabolic health, which is important for men on or after prostate cancer treatment.
Metastasis / Metastatic Disease
When cancer spreads from the prostate to other parts of the body such as lymph nodes or bones. This matters because metastatic disease usually requires systemic treatment like hormone therapy, with or without other drugs.
Mind-Body Therapy
Approaches like meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, or guided imagery that connect the mind and body to reduce stress and improve well-being. This matters because mental health and stress management are important parts of survivorship.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
A scan using magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the body. Prostate MRI can show suspicious areas and help guide biopsies or treatment planning. This matters because MRI is increasingly used to reduce unnecessary biopsies and better target higher-risk disease.
Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)
A specialized prostate MRI that uses multiple imaging techniques to better detect and characterize lesions. This matters because mpMRI can help distinguish between low-risk and higher-risk disease and guide targeted biopsy.
MSI-H (Microsatellite Instability-High)
A specific genetic feature in some cancers that makes them more likely to respond to certain immunotherapy drugs. This matters because a small subset of men with prostate cancer may have more treatment options if their tumor is MSI-H.
N
Nerve-Sparing Surgery
A prostatectomy technique that aims to preserve the nerves that control erections, when it is safe to do so. This matters because preserving these nerves can improve chances of erectile recovery after surgery.
Neuropathy
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations often in the hands or feet caused by nerve damage. Certain treatments, like some chemotherapy drugs, can cause neuropathy. This matters because neuropathy affects comfort and function and should be reported to your care team.
Nocturia
Needing to get up at night to urinate. Nocturia can be related to an enlarged prostate, treatment side effects, or other health conditions. This matters because frequent nighttime urination affects sleep and quality of life.
O
Obesity
Excess body fat that increases risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. This matters because obesity is linked to inflammation and can complicate treatment and recovery.
Oligometastatic Disease
Prostate cancer that has spread but only to a limited number of spots, often in bone or lymph nodes. This matters because some men with oligometastatic disease may benefit from targeted radiation or other focused treatments in addition to systemic therapy.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Healthy fats found in foods like salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Omega-3s support heart and brain health. This matters because cardiovascular health is critical for men on hormone therapy or living long term with prostate cancer.
Orchiectomy
Surgical removal of one or both testicles to reduce testosterone. This matters because it is a permanent form of androgen deprivation and is less common now that medications are widely available.
Orgasm vs Ejaculation
Orgasm is the pleasurable climax of sexual activity; ejaculation is the release of semen. After prostate surgery, men usually still have orgasms but do not ejaculate semen. This matters because understanding this distinction can reduce anxiety and confusion about sexual changes after treatment.
Overactive Bladder
A condition where the bladder contracts too often, causing urgency and frequent urination. This can occur after radiation or from other causes. This matters because treatments and strategies exist to improve symptoms and quality of life.
P
Palliative Care
Care focused on relieving symptoms, managing side effects, and improving quality of life at any stage of serious illness. It is not the same as hospice and can be used alongside active treatment. This matters because many men benefit from palliative support even early in their cancer journey.
Pelvic Floor Muscles
Muscles at the base of the pelvis that help control urination and support sexual function. These can be weakened by surgery or radiation. This matters because strengthening them through Kegel exercises can improve urinary leakage and sometimes sexual function.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
A physical therapist specially trained to assess and treat pelvic floor muscles. They can teach exercises and techniques to improve urinary control, pelvic pain, and sometimes sexual function. This matters because many men do not know this resource exists after treatment.
Penile Atrophy
A loss of penile length or fullness over time, often when regular erections are not occurring, such as after surgery. This matters because early penile rehabilitation (medications, vacuum devices, stimulation) may help maintain tissue health.
Penile Implant (Penile Prosthesis)
A device surgically placed inside the penis that allows a man to create an erection for sexual activity. This matters because penile implants can be a highly satisfying long-term solution when other ED treatments fail.
Penile Rehabilitation
A program after prostate cancer treatment that uses medications, devices, or other methods to maintain blood flow to the penis and support erectile recovery. This matters because starting rehabilitation early may improve long-term sexual outcomes.
PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)
An imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to show areas of activity in the body. In prostate cancer, PET scans (especially PSMA PET) can help find where cancer has spread or if it has returned. This matters for staging and planning treatment.
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors
A class of medications (such as sildenafil and tadalafil) that improve blood flow to the penis to support erections. They require sexual stimulation to work. This matters because PDE5 inhibitors are often first-line treatments for ED after prostate cancer therapy.
Plant-Based Diet
A diet centered around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, with little or no meat. This matters because plant-based patterns are linked with lower inflammation, better heart health, and may support survivorship.
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
A protein made by the prostate that can be measured in the blood. Elevated PSA can be due to cancer, BPH, infection, or recent ejaculation or vigorous exercise. This matters because PSA is a key test in screening, diagnosis, and monitoring prostate cancer, but it is not specific to cancer alone.
PSA Density
A calculation that compares PSA level to prostate size. Higher PSA density may suggest a greater likelihood of cancer rather than just a large prostate. This matters because it helps doctors interpret elevated PSA more accurately.
PSA Velocity
The rate at which PSA changes over time. A rapidly rising PSA may prompt further evaluation. This matters because trend over time can be as important as a single value.
PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen)
A protein found on many prostate cancer cells that can be targeted by special imaging tracers and some treatments. This matters because PSMA PET scans and PSMA-targeted therapies are improving detection and management of recurrent and advanced prostate cancer.
PSMA PET Scan
A type of PET scan that uses a tracer that binds to PSMA on prostate cancer cells, making them easier to see on imaging. This matters because it can detect small areas of recurrence or spread that older imaging might miss.
Proton Therapy
A form of external beam radiation that uses proton particles instead of X-rays. It can be very precise, potentially reducing radiation dose to nearby organs. This matters as one of several radiation options men may consider, though long-term outcome comparisons are still being studied.
Q
Quality of Life
A person’s overall well-being, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects. This matters because many prostate cancer treatments can affect urinary, sexual, and bowel function, and men often want to balance cancer control with quality of life.
R
Radiation Cystitis
Irritation and inflammation of the bladder caused by radiation therapy. It can lead to urinary frequency, urgency, or blood in the urine during or after treatment. This matters because men should report these symptoms so they can be managed.
Radiation Oncologist
A doctor who specializes in treating cancer with radiation. This matters because men considering radiation will meet with a radiation oncologist to discuss options, schedules, and side effects.
Radiation Therapy
Treatment that uses high-energy beams (such as X-rays or protons) to kill cancer cells. It can be used as a primary treatment, after surgery, or for recurrence or metastases. This matters because radiation is a major treatment choice alongside surgery and systemic therapy.
Recurrence
The return of cancer after treatment and after a period when it could not be detected. It may be signaled first by rising PSA. This matters because it can change the treatment approach and may require additional therapies.
Resistance Training
Exercise using weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight to build strength. This matters because it helps counteract muscle loss from aging and hormone therapy and supports metabolism and bone health.
Retrograde Ejaculation
When semen travels backward into the bladder instead of out through the penis during orgasm. This can occur after certain procedures or medications. This matters because it affects fertility and ejaculate volume but is usually not harmful.
Risk Stratification
A way doctors group prostate cancers (low, intermediate, high-risk) using PSA, Grade Group, imaging, and exam findings. This matters because it guides whether men are candidates for active surveillance or need more aggressive treatment.
S
SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy)
A form of radiation that delivers high doses to the prostate in a small number of treatments (often 5 sessions). This matters because SBRT can be more convenient while still providing effective treatment for many men.
Scanxiety
A slang term for the anxiety or fear people feel before or while waiting for scan or PSA results. This matters because acknowledging it can help men feel less alone and encourage them to seek emotional support.
Second Opinion
Consulting another specialist to confirm a diagnosis or treatment plan. This matters because prostate cancer often has several treatment options, and second opinions can provide reassurance or alternatives.
Sexual Medicine
A medical field focused on sexual function and sexual health. This matters because urologists or other clinicians with sexual medicine training can help men address ED, orgasm changes, and other issues after treatment.
Sexual Rehabilitation
The use of tools, medications, exercises, and sometimes counseling to help men regain sexual function after treatment. This matters because early, proactive rehabilitation can improve long-term outcomes.
Shared Decision-Making
A process in which doctors and patients make decisions together based on medical evidence and the patient’s values and preferences. This matters because there is rarely just one “right” treatment for prostate cancer, especially in earlier stages.
Sleep Apnea
A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often causing snoring and daytime fatigue. This matters because untreated sleep apnea can worsen heart health, blood pressure, and recovery.
Stress Incontinence
Urine leakage that happens with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting. This is common after prostate surgery. This matters because it can improve with time, pelvic floor therapy, and other treatments.
Stress Management
Techniques to cope with and reduce stress, such as exercise, breathing exercises, meditation, or counseling. This matters because chronic stress can affect sleep, blood pressure, and overall health during and after cancer treatment.
Superfoods
A marketing term used for foods thought to offer special health benefits, such as berries or certain seeds. This matters because no single food prevents or cures cancer; the overall eating pattern is what counts.
Survivorship
The phase of care after diagnosis and through the rest of life, including follow-up, managing side effects, lifestyle changes, and emotional health. This matters because prostate cancer is often a long-term journey, and survivorship planning helps men live well through it.
Systemic Therapy
Treatments that travel throughout the body, such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. This matters because systemic therapy is often used for advanced or recurrent prostate cancer.
T
Tadalafil
A PDE5 inhibitor that can be taken daily or as needed to help with erections, and in some men, urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate. This matters because it is commonly used in erectile rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment.
Testosterone
The main male sex hormone, important for libido, energy, muscle mass, and mood. Many prostate cancers rely on testosterone to grow. This matters because some treatments lower testosterone, and men need to understand both benefits and side effects.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Treatment to raise low testosterone levels using gels, injections, or implants. It can improve symptoms of low testosterone for some men. This matters because men with a history of prostate cancer should only consider TRT under close supervision from specialists, as safety depends on individual circumstances.
Testosteron-Lowering (Androgen Deprivation Therapy, ADT)
See Hormone Therapy.
Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)
An ultrasound probe placed in the rectum to create images of the prostate. It is commonly used to guide prostate biopsies. This matters because many men will experience TRUS as part of their diagnostic work-up.
Treatment Side Effects
Unwanted changes from treatment, such as urinary leakage, erectile dysfunction, bowel changes, fatigue, or hot flashes. This matters because side-effect discussions should be part of every treatment decision, not an afterthought.
Trimix Injection
An injectable mixture of medications (often including alprostadil) used to produce an erection. This matters because it can be very effective for men whose erections do not respond to pills alone after treatment.
Tumor
A growth of abnormal cells that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). This matters because understanding that not all tumors are cancerous reduces unnecessary fear.
U
Urge Incontinence
Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage. This can occur after radiation or from other bladder conditions. This matters because it can often be improved with medications, bladder training, and pelvic floor therapy.
Urinary Frequency
Needing to urinate more often than usual. This may be due to an enlarged prostate, treatment effects, or bladder irritation. This matters because frequent urination can disrupt sleep and daily activity and may signal a need for evaluation.
Urinary Incontinence
Loss of control over urination, resulting in leakage. It is common after prostate surgery and sometimes after radiation but often improves over time. This matters because men should know they are not alone and that treatments and strategies exist.
Urethra
The tube that carries urine (and semen in men) from the bladder through the penis and out of the body. The prostate sits around the urethra. This matters because prostate enlargement or treatment can affect how urine flows through this tube.
Urologic Oncologist
A urologist who has additional training in cancers of the urinary and male reproductive system. This matters because they are experienced in surgery and cancer management.
Urologist
A doctor specializing in the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. This matters because urologists are often the first specialists men see for prostate concerns.
V
Vacuum Erection Device (VED)
A device that uses gentle suction to draw blood into the penis, followed by a ring at the base to maintain the erection. This matters because it can help with erectile rehabilitation and offer a non-drug option for ED.
Vegan Diet
A diet that avoids all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. This matters because when carefully planned, a vegan diet can be rich in fiber and antioxidants, but men should ensure adequate protein, vitamin B12, and other nutrients.
Vegetarian Diet
A diet that excludes meat but may include dairy or eggs. This matters for men who want to move toward more plant-forward eating patterns for heart and metabolic health.
Visceral Fat
Fat stored deep around internal organs, especially in the abdomen. This matters because visceral fat is strongly linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, and increased chronic disease risk.
VO₂ Max
A measure of how well the body uses oxygen during intense exercise. Higher VO₂ max generally indicates better cardiovascular fitness. This matters because fitter men often tolerate treatment better and recover more quickly.
W
Watchful Waiting
A less intensive monitoring approach than active surveillance, often used for older men or those with serious other illnesses. The focus is on treating symptoms if they arise rather than frequent testing. This matters because it is an option when cure is less of a goal than comfort and quality of life.
Whole Grains
Grains that include the entire kernel (such as oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread). This matters because they provide fiber and nutrients that support heart and metabolic health.
Whole-Person Care
An approach that looks at the whole person, not just the tumor—considering physical health, emotional well-being, lifestyle, relationships, and purpose. This matters because prostate cancer affects every part of life and recovery.
Y
Yoga
A mind-body practice that combines gentle movement, stretching, breathing, and relaxation. This matters because yoga can reduce stress, improve flexibility, and support emotional health during and after treatment.
Z
Zinc
A mineral important for immune function and wound healing. It is found in beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. This matters because many men take supplements; it is usually best to talk with a doctor before adding high-dose zinc or any supplement.
Disclaimer
Definitions are adapted from public educational sources and clinical concepts, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but are written in original language for Blue Cure. This information is for education only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Men should always discuss their individual situation with a qualified healthcare professional.