Prostate Cancer Questions To Ask

What Are The Side Effects Of Radiation Treatments

As with surgery, you can have problems with urinary incontinence and with your ability to have an erection. You may not be able to have an erection for several months, and you may find that you are not urinating normally, as in the frequency or the strength of your stream, as you were before. Also, you may experience diarrhea, and you may feel fatigued until several weeks after your treatment ends. But these will be temporary and should correct themselves over time. If needed, talk to your doctor about medications that can help with erection problems in the meantime.

How Many Men With Prostate Cancer Have You Personally Treated

Its a common question that many patients have. As you work through your diagnosis, youll want to be sure that the urologist, surgeon, or radiation oncologist handling your diagnosis has the experience you deserve. Our radiation oncologists all have over ten years of experience treating prostate cancer, some over 20, and RCOG has treated more than 16,000 prostate cancer patients with ProstRcision.

If your urologist is recommending surgery, a radical prostatectomy, ask him/her how many procedures he/she has performed. Problems with incontinence and sexual function are linked to the experience and skill of the surgeon performing the radical prostatectomy.

ProstRcision has high documented disease-free survival rates using the strictest definition . Equally important, this unique approach to eradicating prostate cancer preserves sexual function and maintains urinary control for the vast majority of men. The documented 10-year and 15-year high disease-free survival rates, combined with no cutting of the prostate, and very few side effects are why over 16,000 men from all 50 states, and over 40 countries have chosen ProstRcision.

Questions To Ask About Planning Follow

• What is the chance that the cancer will come back? Should I watch for specific signs or symptoms?

• What long-term side effects or late effects are possible based on the cancer treatment I received?

• What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will those tests be needed?

• How do I get a treatment summary and survivorship care plan to keep in my personal records?

• Who will be leading my follow-up care?

• What survivorship support services are available to me? To my family?

The next section in this guide is Additional Resources. It offers more resources on this website that may be helpful to you. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

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What Are My Treatment Options

Prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease thats typically curable when discovered in the early stages, and treatable when its more advanced. Treating your prostate cancer will be unique to you and your overall health, as well as the stage of your cancer prognosis. Here are five treatment options to consider as you and your doctor begin choosing one that is best for you.

• Active surveillance: Because prostate cancer often grows very slowly, active surveillance involves observing the cancer without taking immediate action. If your condition worsens, your urologist will move forward with other treatment options.
• Radiation therapy: During this treatment, high levels of radiation are targeted at your prostate gland to burn and kill the cancerous cells. External radiation uses a machine outside the body to produce radiation, while internal radiation places radioactive implants directly into the tumor.
• Surgery: A surgical procedure treats your cancer by removing the prostate gland altogether. During surgery, your doctor will also check the surrounding lymph nodes close to your prostate to ensure the disease hasnt spread.
• Hormone therapy: This type of therapy works by decreasing the amount of testosterone that your body produces, which causes the cancer cells to die or grow more slowly.
• Chemotherapy: This treatment works by using chemicals to kill or halt the growth of cancer cells. During chemotherapy, drugs are either injected directly into the veins or taken orally.

Ask Your Healthcare Provider

• What is my risk of developing prostate cancer?
• Is there anything I can do to lower my risk?
• What tests should I have, if any?
• How often should I be tested?
• Could I benefit from having a PSA test and DRE?
• Could I be harmed by a PSA test and DRE?
• What happens if my results are normal?
• What happens if my results arent normal?
• Do I have to pay for the tests? If yes, how much?

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What Is Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland residing beneath the bladder, which produces ejaculatory fluid that is essential for reproduction. When prostate cells become damaged and begin to divide uncontrollably, prostate cancer occurs.

Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which means the condition developed from the gland cells. Other types of cancer that can start in the prostate include small cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, transitional cell carcinomas, and sarcomas. However, these types of prostate cancer are much rarer.

About Dr Dan Sperling

Dan Sperling, MD, DABR, is a board certified radiologist who is globally recognized as a leader in multiparametric MRI for the detection and diagnosis of a range of disease conditions. As Medical Director of the Sperling Prostate Center, Sperling Medical Group and Sperling Neurosurgery Associates, he and his team are on the leading edge of significant change in medical practice. He is the co-author of the new patient book Redefining Prostate Cancer, and is a contributing author on over 25 published studies. For more information, contact the Sperling Prostate Center.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer

During the early stages of prostate cancer, you may have no signs or symptoms at all. For men over 40, cancer screenings and annual checkups with your urologist are extremely important to catch prostate cancer as early as possible.

In more advanced cases, some common symptoms include:

• Difficulty urinating or a complete inability to urinate
• Pain or burning sensation while urinating
• Abdominal, pelvic, hip, or back pain
• Loss of appetite and weight

Important Questions To Ask If Youre Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer often presents unique challenges to patients and physicians alike. It can be indolent and nonaggressive or life-threatening and everything in between. Unlike most cancers that have a dedicated road map for treatment, prostate cancer revolves around opinions and biases.

To help patients navigate the land mine of the disease, here are 10 basic questions to ask your doctor when diagnosed with it.

1. What is my Gleason score?

The Gleason grade looks to define how close the cancer cells and tissue resemble normal prostate growth. The more normal it looks, the lower the grade and risk the more different it looks, the higher the grade and risk. The cancer is assigned a grade of 1 to 5, 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. Since the cancer can have multiple tumorous areas that can be different from each other, the two most common patterns found are used to come up with a Gleason score, which is the sum of the two. The aggressiveness of the cancer is defined by this Gleason score:

Gleason 6 = low risk.

Gleason 7 = intermediate risk, some cancers can act indolent or slow-growing, others aggressive.

Gleason 8-10 = High-risk cancer, aggressive, higher risk of spreading.

2. Is there a nodule expressing my cancer?

A palpable, cancerous nodule is more aggressive than cancer found with no nodule.

3. What is my PSA density?

4. What percentage of the total biopsy samples have cancer?

5. Among the positive biopsy samples, what percent of the tissue was cancerous?

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Questions To Ask After Treatment

• What warning signs should I watch for that might indicate my cancer has returned?
• Who should I call if I notice these symptoms?
• Is there any follow-up treatment I will need?
• How often will we run follow-up tests and exams?
• Do I need to maintain a special diet?Are there any activities I should avoid?
• How long will it take me to feel like myself again?
• What records should I keep regarding my treatment?
• What do I do if the cancer returns?

Why Does It Matter

Prostate cancer cells usually produce more PSA than benign cells, causing PSA levels in blood to rise. PSA levels can also indicate other conditions like inflammation, infection, or a benign prostate condition such as prostatitis or enlarged prostate. Therefore, determining what a high PSA score means can be complicated.

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What Can I Expect To Feel Like After Surgery

Most people feel very well after the first two weeks, Dr. Baughman says. Most men can go back to normal activities within four to six weeks after surgery. A prostatectomy can have some side effects such as problems urinating, and problems getting an erection. These can take several weeks to months to resolve, and sometimes the side effects do not completely go away, although there are treatments to help. During the first few months after surgery, you probably will not be able to have a spontaneous erection and will need to use medication or other treatments.

Why Isnt Prostate Screening Recommended For All Men

All screening tests have both risks and benefits. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to get screened:

• Many prostate cancers grow so slowly that men won’t have symptoms or die from the cancer
• Treatment for prostate cancer can cause problems like erectile dysfunction or loss of bladder control
• Prostate screening sometimes says you have cancer when you really dont, and follow-up tests can cause problems like infections

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Questions To Ask About Prostate Cancer

An estimated 1 in 7 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. If you receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer, remember there is always time to get a second opinion. In fact, a second opinion can be lifesaving. Its critically important to confirm that your diagnosis is correct before treatment begins. When weighing where to receive treatment, consider these questions to ask about prostate cancer.

Am I At Risk Of Developing Prostate Cancer

The exact cause of prostate cancer can be difficult to determine. However, several factors may affect your chances of developing prostate cancer, including age, race, and family history.

• Age: Your risk of developing prostate cancer increases as you age. Approximately 6 in 10 cases of prostate cancer are found in men 65 and older.
• Race: Studies show that Asian American and Latino men have the lowest chances of developing prostate cancer. Meanwhile, African American men are 79% more likely to develop the condition compared to other races and ethnicities.
• Family history: Your genes may play a role in whether or not you are at risk of developing prostate cancer. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, especially a direct relative such as a father or brother, your risk is higher.

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What Treatment Is Right For Me

It is recommended that you meet with at least three different specialists: a urologist, a radiation oncologist, and a medical oncologist. Gathering information from each can help make a fair and balanced decision on the best treatment for your situation .

When meeting with these specialists, its important to come prepared with the right questions. Below are detailed questions you can discuss with your doctor to make sure youre informedabout your unique situation:

Get Your Free Prostate Cancer Guidebook

Make an informed prostate cancer treatment decision. Our 40-page, comprehensive guidebook provides answers to our most frequently asked questions from men diagnosed with prostate cancer, and compares various treatment methods, cure rates and side effects. Our team can also connect you with one of our oncologists at no cost.

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Is Radiation Therapy An Option For Me

Radiation therapy uses targeted energy, similar to X-rays, to kill cancer cells, shrink tumors and provide relief of certain cancer-related symptoms. Radiation may be used instead of surgery in men with early-stage prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body. It may also be used in combination with surgery to assist in removing cancerous tissue.

Radiation oncologists use a variety of therapies and tools designed to deliver high radiation doses to tumors, with less damage to healthy tissues and organs. Focusing the radiation directly on the tumor may lower the risk of side effects. Radiation therapy options for prostate cancer includes external beam radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, high-dose rate brachytherapy and low-dose rate brachytherapy.

How Can I Prevent Prostate Cancer

Keeping your overall health in check is the key to preventing prostate cancer, as well as many other diseases. You may not be able to control certain risk factors, like age, race, and family history, but you can still make healthy choices in your life to prevent prostate cancer.

It is important to get annual checkups with a urologist to ensure youre being proactive and treating any other health-related problems you may have. Eating well, exercising often, limiting smoking and alcohol consumption, and reducing stress levels can also help.

Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are crucial when it comes to preventing prostate cancer. To learn more about achieving and maintaining optimal urology health, download our free Nutrition and Lifestyle Guide.

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Questions To Ask About Having Surgery

• What type of surgery will I have? Will lymph nodes be removed?

• How long will the operation take?

• How long will I be in the hospital?

• Can you describe what my recovery from surgery will be like?

• Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?

• What are the possible long-term effects of having this surgery?

What If I’m Under 50

Prostate cancer isn’t common in men under 50. If youre under 50 and dont have any symptoms, your GP doesnt have to give you a PSA test. But you may still want to talk to your GP about having a test if youre over 45 and youre at higher risk for example if you have a family history of prostate cancer or youre Black.

Weve been working with health professionals across the UK to develop agreement about when men should be able to have a PSA test, if they want one. Read more about this work.

To be updated March 2018

This involves having a single PSA blood test while your risk of getting prostate cancer is still low for example in your 40s. The aim of a baseline test is not to help diagnose prostate cancer, but to help work out your risk of getting prostate cancer in the future.

There is some research suggesting that your PSA level in your 40s could be used to predict how likely you are to get prostate cancer, or fast-growing prostate cancer, later in life. If the test suggests youre at higher risk, you and your doctor may decide to do regular PSA tests in the future. This might be a good way to spot any changes in your PSA level that might suggest prostate cancer.

However, we dont yet know exactly what PSA level in your 40s would show an increased risk of prostate cancer, or how often you should have more tests. Because of this, baseline testing isnt very common in the UK.

For more information about baseline testing, speak to your GP.

To be updated March 2018

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Learn About Your Condition

Understanding your cancer and its treatment can help you deal with the emotional rollercoaster that can go along with managing the disease.

“Often, when people are diagnosed with prostate cancer, they feel powerless and shocked,” says Ramdev Konijeti, MD. He’s the director of the genitourinary cancer program at Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center. “But education is information, and information is power.”

Your doctor or clinic should be able to point you to the best resources for understanding your cancer better. In general, websites that end with .gov, .org, or .edu, or cite their sources, will have the most reliable information.

“As with any large body of information, you can find misinformation,” Konijeti says. “There is plenty of available public information about prostate cancer that minimizes the impact of the disease or that inappropriately magnifies the impact of the disease.”

Murray Wadsworth, 63, says he became a “patient detective” after his advanced prostate cancer diagnosis 6 years ago. “I had to learn how to look for clues and get rid of everything that wasn’t right for me,” he says. “I say ‘patient detective’ because I want to remind myself I am just the patient. I don’t want to get ahead of the doctors too much.”

Some websites that can help you learn more include:

• American Cancer Society
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network

However Just Because A Doctor Is Close Doesnt Mean Theyre The Best Fit For You Or Even A Good One

Being armed with information is vital to begin the fight. Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men, according to the mayo clinic. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to financial compensation. When looking for a new physician, some people just search âdoctor near meâ and hope for the best. What patients and caregivers need to know about cancer, coronavirus, and. If youâre considering a motorhome for your next recreational investment, asking and answering these questions can help you make a decision about. One in seven men in the united states will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during his lifetime. It may grow slowly and itâs typically treatable. Although screenings for prostate cancer are one tool for early detecti. Here are 10 more facts about prostate cancer. However, as with other types of cancer,. These lawyers specialize in mesot. Rather than taking a chance on a strang.

What patients and caregivers need to know about cancer, coronavirus, and. However, just because a doctor is close doesnât mean theyâre the best fit for you, or even a good one. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

The earlier the detection of prostate cancer, the better the patientâs chance of survival is. However, as with other types of cancer,. When looking for a new physician, some people just search âdoctor near meâ and hope for the best.

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