Is Prostate Cancer Curable?
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, one out of every six men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their life. How curable prostate cancer is depends upon how advanced the cancer is and how early treatments begin. The type of treatment used for prostate cancer will depend upon the stage or advancement of the disease.
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Statistics
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According to the American Cancer Society, the survival rate for men with prostate cancer is nearly 100% over a five-year period. Ten- and 15-year survivability statistics are 91% and 76%, respectively. These statistics take into consideration that approximately 80% of all diagnosed prostate cases are in the early stages of the disease.
Surgery
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When the cancer is localized, prostate surgery has a very good success rate for eliminating the cancer. The most common surgery is complete removal of the prostate via abdominal surgery. After surgery, the prostate, any tumors and some of the surrounding tissues are examined to make sure all of the cancer was removed.
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Radiation
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Radiation therapy is used to destroy or shrink cancer cells in the prostate or surrounding tissue. The radiation may be done externally, much like an x-ray, or internally where doses of radiation are sent into the prostate itself. According to the American Cancer Society, the effectiveness of radiation therapy on prostate cancer is approximately the same as surgery.
Hormone Therapy
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Hormone treatment focuses on blocking testosterone, which may stop or slow the cancer's growth. Hormone therapy may be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments to improve the chances of curing the disease.
Advanced Stages
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Advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized or spread to surrounding organs, tissues or bones is less likely to be curable than the earlier stages of the disease. Survivability statistics depend upon how far and fast the cancer is spreading. Treatments for advanced prostate cancer may include radiation, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. These treatments are often used to extend the length and improve the quality of life.
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