Hearing the words "prostate cancer" can be scary, but gathering information on your condition will ease some of the stress this new diagnosis brings and help you decide what to do next.
"All cancers do not carry the same prognosis or treatment options. And the good news is, prostate cancer is often a slow-growing and manageable condition. In fact, many men do not require immediate treatment," says according to a Riverside provider.
Get to know your diagnosis and the treatment options
The first and most crucial step is to learn about your diagnosis and what options you have going forward.
Start by learning more about prostate cancer care. Review your diagnosis, treatments and opportunities for support. Your doctor will also provide some information in your after-visit summary. It is essential to review this information to understand your diagnosis fully.
Active surveillance may be enough
With an early diagnosis, your doctor may recommend actively monitoring your cancer rather than treating it.
"When it comes to treating prostate cancer, the benefits of immediate treatment may not outweigh the side effects and risks," says according to a Riverside provider.
Treatment options vary by patient
When it is time to pursue prostate cancer treatment, there are a few options, including:
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy
Your doctor may recommend one or more treatment types depending on the stage of your cancer. Additional information such as genetic testing can help determine how likely your cancer is to respond to specific treatments. Your doctor will also take this into account in making a recommendation.
Do your homework before making any decisions
After you've reviewed information about your new diagnosis, take some time to consider the next steps recommended by your doctor. You may also choose to share your diagnosis with family or friends for support or added feedback as you decide what to do next.
If you're unsure of how to proceed, seek a second opinion—hearing the objective perspective of another physician can be helpful when making a difficult decision.
A new diagnosis brings many unknowns; don't go it alone
A new diagnosis introduces many decisions you didn't plan on making. It's important not to go it alone. Please don't wait to get the help you need. Schedule an appointment with a specialist on our prostate cancer team today.
