Treatment
Treatment By Stage
The various treatment options that are available depending on the stage of prostate cancer that you are diagnosed with.
Active Surveillance
Active surveillance means holding off treatment and monitoring the cancer closely with PSA blood tests, digital rectal exams, and ultrasounds at regular intervals to see if the cancer is growing.
Surgery
If you are diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, found only in the prostate, surgery may be recommended.
Therapies
Depending on the stage and severity, There are a multitute of therapies that can be used to treat the cancerous area.
What’s the right treatment?
Starting treatment for prostate cancer can be daunting, but armed with the right knowledge, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect.
Your treatment will be determined by:
- Age
- Gleason Score given to your tumour
- Stage of prostate cancer
- Symptoms
- Risks
- General health
- Patient preference
Treatment options for men diagnosed with prostate cancer include:
- Active surveillance
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Hormone suppression therapy
- Chemotherapy
- New therapies
You, as the patient, are the most crucial part of the decision making process. It’s vital to ask questions and raise concerns with your doctors, so you know what to expect.
Questions to ask your Doctor
- What are my treatment options? Which ones do you recommend and why?
- What are the advantages of each type of treatment?
- What are the risks and possible adverse effects associated with each type of treatment?
- How can I prepare for treatment?
- Will I need to stay overnight or longer in the hospital or is there an outpatient procedure available?
- What is the cost of my treatment? Bear in mind, your doctor might not know what the exact cost of the treatment is. It’s important to enquire with your medical aid about whether they cover the treatment and what you’ll have to pay for yourself.
- Will the treatment affect my normal day to day life or my sex life?
References
- American Cancer Society. Initial Treatment of Prostate Cancer, by Stage and Risk Group. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treating/by-stage.html. Accessed on 22 October 2021.
- Men’s Foundation. Prostate cancer. https://mensfoundation.co.za/mens-health/prostate-cancer/. Accessed on 22 October 2021.
- Cansa.org. Fact Sheet on Prostate Cancer. https://cansa.org.za/files/2021/04/Fact-Sheet-on-Prostate-Cancer-NCR-2017-web-March-2021.pdf. Accessed on 22 October 2021.
- Urology Care Foundation. Advance Prostate Cancer. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/a_/advanced-prostate-cancer. Accessed on 25 October 2021.