What is the Next Step After a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis?

Treatment Options

There are three main options when one is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Depending on your needs, one of these is actually not treatment at all: it is active surveillance, in which doctors keep a close eye on whether the cancer is progressing. Surgery or radiation therapy are the two active options in the treatment of this cancer. These are effective treatments, especially in the early stages of the condition.

Prognosis

It is important to keep in mind the generally positive prognosis of prostate cancer. In developed countries the prognosis is much better than in the rest of the world. Depending on how the cancer is graded by the doctor, prostate cancer is often able to be treated and overcome. As the grade of the cancer is increased, the prognosis is worse. However, many prostate cancers are not lethal.

Support

Talk to your doctor about the questions and concerns you may have. Counseling, support groups and the support of loved ones are all ways in which you can cope with prostate cancer.

Resources

• National Cancer Institute