What Types of Treatment are There for Prostate Cancer?
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Fortunately, prostate cancer survival rates are high at 98%, even taking advanced cases into account at Stage 4. This is in large part due to the fact that today there are various options for treatment that are very effective.
Treatment for prostate cancer can differ, of course, depending on individual circumstances. However, in a lot of cases treatment isn’t even necessary.
In cases where treatment is necessary, the aim of said treatment is to cure or control the disease. In tandem, the goal is for the disease and treatment to affect everyday life as little as possible. And for them not to shorten life expectancy.
In some instances where cancer has spread, the goal of treatment is not to cure the disease. It is to prolong life and delay symptoms.
Types of prostate cancer treatment
Doctors will develop an appropriate treatment plan for cancer depending on a variety of factors. Major factors taken into consideration include age, general health status and the stage of cancer.
There are two main categories for treatment:
- Nonaggressive treatment
- Aggressive treatment
Nonaggressive treatment:
This is dependent on the cancer being nonaggressive. Your doctor may recommend watching the development of said cancer and waiting. To clarify,this would mean delaying treatment and having regular checkups with your doctor.
When a doctor decides to monitor prostate cancer they check PSA levels every 6 months and perform annual DREs. Additionally, they may also perform another biopsy and imaging between 1-3 post initial diagnosis. With this information as time progresses they make a final decision on whether treatment is necessary.
This is dependent on the cancer being nonaggressive. Your doctor may recommend watching the development of said cancer and waiting. To clarify,this would mean delaying treatment and having regular checkups with your doctor. When a doctor decides to monitor prostate cancer they check PSA levels every 6 months and perform annual DREs. Additionally, they may also perform another biopsy and imaging between 1-3 post initial diagnosis. With this information as time progresses they make a final decision on whether treatment is necessary.
Aggressive treatment:
Doctor’s can take an array of approaches to treat more aggressive forms of cancer:
- Cryotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Prostatectomy
- Radiation
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
- Surgery
If, for instance, your cancer is very aggressive and has metastasized, there’s a chance it might have spread to your bones. In addition to the above treatments, others may be used too. This of course in cases where bone metastases has occurred.
Check our resources section for further information. Where you can also find inspiration from success and survival stories, or we can help you connect with a prostate cancer survivor.
If you have any questions, or just want to talk, call us at our toll-free hotline: 1(833)HEAL-MEN. You are not alone in this journey. We are here to help guide and support you through it, every step of the way.
