The Challenge of Deciding When to Treat Prostate C...
Prostate Cancer
The Challenge of Deciding When to Treat Prostate Cancer
Most men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives if they live long enough, according to Dr. Geoffrey Sonn, Assistant Professor of Urology at Stanford Medicine. Yet most men will not die from prostate cancer. So what is the best treatment? The answer will likely differ depending on which doctor or hospital you choose. The challenge for your oncology team is whether to treat and if so how, or just watch and wait.
Some cancers are so small that they do not show any potential of spreading. In those cases, active surveillance may be the choice. Cancers that are high-risk with the potential for spreading should be treated, most likely by removing the prostate gland or by radiation therapy. Treatment comes with potential urinary and sexual side effects so the risks and benefits need to be weighed.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Most men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives if they live long enough, according to Dr. Geoffrey Sonn, Assistant Professor of Urology at Stanford Medicine. Yet most men will not die from prostate cancer. So what is the best treatment? The answer will likely differ depending on which doctor or hospital you choose. The challenge for your oncology team is whether to treat and if so how, or just watch and wait.
Some cancers are so small that they do not show any potential of spreading. In those cases, active surveillance may be the choice. Cancers that are high-risk with the potential for spreading should be treated, most likely by removing the prostate gland or by radiation therapy. Treatment comes with potential urinary and sexual side effects so the risks and benefits need to be weighed.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Treatment: When to Start?
Active surveillance for prostate cancer is a very specific protocol with requirements and guidelines. While this is not ideal for everyone, it may work for certain patients and spare them the side effects of treatment.
Treatment: Watching and Waiting
Active surveillance for prostate cancer is a very specific protocol with requirements and guidelines. While this is not ideal for everyone, it may work for certain patients and spare them the side effects of treatment.
Before you decide on a surgeon or a surgical technique for prostate cancer, you should understand the options and some key questions to ask your surgeon.
Treatment: Considering Surgery
Before you decide on a surgeon or a surgical technique for prostate cancer, you should understand the options and some key questions to ask your surgeon.