Introduction
As a man with early-stage prostate cancer, you will be able to choose which kind of treatment is right for you. There can be several reasonable options, which can make the decision difficult. And each choice has its pros and cons.
Active treatment usually begins a few weeks to months after diagnosis. During this time, you should meet with various doctors to learn about your treatment choices. Use this article to help you talk over possible treatments with your doctor before deciding which is best for you.
You will want to think about what is important to you. It's also a good idea to include your spouse or partner in your decision-making process. After all, a diagnosis of cancer and the treatment choice you make affect both of you.
Terms that may be new to you appear in bold type.
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This booklet is meant to be a starting point.
Its purpose is to help you learn about early-stage prostate cancer, current treatments, and the pros and cons of each treatment. But most men will need more information than this booklet gives to reach their decisions. For a list of organizations that provide more information and support, please see the Resources section. If your prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate, or if it has returned after treatment, also refer to this section. |
Many men with prostate cancer have shared their advice to help other men who are newly diagnosed:
- There are treatment options--be sure to know them all.
- Treatments and medical procedures have improved over the past 10 years.
- You must make the decision that is right for you--not your doctor.
- Seek the opinions of several different doctors since some may only recommend the option they know the most about.
- Take the time you need to research your options before making your decision. There's usually no need to rush.
- Your spouse or partner has an important role in your decision and will be affected by your choice. Try to be open and honest with each other about your concerns.
- Organizations and support groups can help you learn more about what others in your situation are doing for their prostate cancer.
- It is possible to live a full life after prostate cancer.
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"When my doctor said watch and wait, I thought he meant that I should give up. But after he explained my stage of cancer, it made sense to me. It doesn't mean giving up or never having treatment." |
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"I talked it over with my wife and son. I chose radiation therapy because we thought that it had the best potential for my situation." |
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"My wife and I looked at the pros and cons of each treatment. In talking with several doctors who specialize in prostate cancer, we concluded that surgery was the best option for me." |
