A NEW DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER
A new diagnosis of prostate cancer can feel overwhelming. This page is dedicated to get you started in the process of learning about prostate cancer and beginning to apply that knowledge to your individual diagnosis and clinical situation.
Pllease do not hesitate to ask questions and provide feedback on the resources you find here.
Good luck on your journey.
For Patients With Localized Disease
Localized prostate cancer is still contained within the prostate gland and has not invaded nearby tissues nor has it spread to distant sites in the body like bones or lymph nodes.
Localized prostate cancer is often determined through a combination of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, digital rectal exams (DRE), MRI testing of the prostate, prostate biopsy, and possibly other studies such as a PET scan, bone scan or CT scan.
Treatment options for localized prostate cancer vary depending on factors such as the aggressiveness of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the patient’s personal preferences.
Common treatment approaches may include active surveillance (watchful waiting), surgery (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, focal ablative therapy, androgen deprivation, or a combination of these treatments.
This video is for patients newly diagnosed with cancer that is felt to be early stage disease, amenable to surveillance or treatable by surgery, radiation or other alternative treatments. The link for the PDF below is referenced here in this video.
For Patients With Advanced Disease
Advanced Prostate Cancer has spread beyond the prostate and may have invaded nearby tissues or metastasized to distant parts of the body. When prostate cancer progresses to an advanced stage, it poses greater challenges for treatment and management. For most men that means that treatments such as radiation or surgery are no longer an option. Good treatments exist in the form of androgen deprivation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Advanced prostate cancer often requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, involving medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, urologists, and other specialists. Treatment options may include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these modalities.
While advanced prostate cancer is not curable in most cases, treatment aims to slow the progression of the disease, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. Additionally, clinical trials and emerging therapies offer hope for new treatment options and improved outcomes for individuals living with advanced prostate cancer.
You can learn more about advanced prostate cancer in the link below to download the free PDF from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.