Finding the Right Prostate Cancer Doctor: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care

Prostate cancer is a significant health concern for men, and navigating its diagnosis and treatment can be overwhelming. Understanding the process, from initial screening to advanced treatments, is crucial. This comprehensive guide, based on insights from Mayo Clinic experts, aims to provide you with essential information about prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, and highlights the importance of finding the right Prostate Cancer Doctor to guide you through this journey.

Hello. I’m Dr. Humphreys, a urologist at Mayo Clinic, and I’m here to answer some of the important questions you may have about prostate cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Cancer

When faced with a prostate cancer diagnosis, many questions arise. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns, directly from a prostate cancer doctor:

How is the growth rate of prostate cancer determined?

For individuals diagnosed with low to intermediate-risk prostate cancer, genomic tests offer valuable insights into the cancer’s aggressiveness. These tests analyze the DNA of your specific cancer cells, comparing them to those of other men to create a personalized risk profile. While not definitive, these tests provide the most reliable evidence-based assessment for your unique situation. Your prostate cancer doctor will use this information to tailor your care plan.

Is prostate cancer a sexually transmitted disease?

No, prostate cancer is not contagious and poses no risk to your partner through sexual contact. It is an internal condition that does not spread through physical intimacy. Discuss any concerns you have about sexual health with your prostate cancer doctor.

Does heredity play a role in prostate cancer?

Heredity can be a factor in some prostate cancer cases. If you have prostate cancer, your first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) have an increased risk. If diagnosed at a younger age, such as in your 40s, consulting a genetic counselor may be beneficial to identify potential genetic risk factors for you and your family. Your prostate cancer doctor can advise you on genetic testing and family risk.

What lifestyle changes can help prevent or slow prostate cancer?

While there’s no guaranteed prevention method, adopting a healthy lifestyle is beneficial. Aim for at least 30 minutes of daily exercise and prioritize a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, while limiting red meat, sugars, and carbohydrates. A heart-healthy diet is also considered prostate-healthy. Your prostate cancer doctor can offer personalized advice on lifestyle modifications.

Does a prostate biopsy increase the risk of cancer spreading?

No, a prostate biopsy does not cause cancer to spread. Millions of biopsies have been performed worldwide without a single documented case of cancer spread through this procedure. This is a common concern addressed by prostate cancer doctors to reassure patients.

When is it appropriate to stop prostate cancer screening?

Not all prostate cancers are life-threatening or require treatment. Generally, if your life expectancy is 10 years or less, prostate cancer is unlikely to significantly impact your lifespan. However, this should be discussed with your prostate cancer doctor or healthcare team to determine the most appropriate screening schedule for your individual circumstances.

How can I effectively partner with my medical team?

Open and honest communication is key. Your medical team, including your prostate cancer doctor, is there to support you and provide resources. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and voice concerns. Being informed is crucial for making the best decisions about your health.

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: Identifying the Disease

The diagnostic journey for prostate cancer typically begins with a physical exam and a blood test, often initiated as part of routine prostate cancer screening or when symptoms arise. If initial tests raise concerns, imaging tests are used to visualize the prostate for potential signs of cancer. A definitive diagnosis usually requires a prostate biopsy, where a tissue sample is examined for cancerous cells.

Prostate Cancer Screening: Early Detection is Key

Prostate cancer screening aims to detect the disease in individuals without symptoms. Common screening tests include the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE).

Most guidelines recommend discussing prostate cancer screening with your healthcare provider around age 50. This conversation should be personalized, considering your individual risk factors and preferences. Men who are Black, have a family history of prostate cancer, or have other risk factors might consider starting these discussions earlier. Consulting with a prostate cancer doctor can help you understand your risk and make informed decisions about screening.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

Digital Rectal Exam

During a digital rectal exam, your prostate cancer doctor or healthcare professional inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to physically assess the prostate gland for any irregularities in texture, shape, or size.

A DRE allows a healthcare professional to directly examine the prostate gland. It is often included in prostate cancer screening and is recommended when symptoms suggest a potential prostate issue.

During this procedure, the prostate cancer doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum, as the prostate is located near the rectum. This allows for manual palpation to check for any abnormal lumps or changes in the prostate gland.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

The PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by prostate cells, and elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, although other conditions like prostate infection or enlargement can also cause elevated PSA.

If an initial PSA test shows a high level, it is typically repeated. If the PSA level remains elevated, further investigations, such as imaging tests or a biopsy, may be recommended by your prostate cancer doctor to rule out cancer.

The PSA test is frequently used for prostate cancer screening and may also be ordered if you are experiencing prostate cancer symptoms. The results provide valuable information to guide your prostate cancer doctor in determining the next steps in diagnosis.

Prostate Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to create images of internal body structures. A prostate ultrasound generates images of the prostate gland. This test may be recommended by your prostate cancer doctor if a DRE reveals any abnormalities.

In a transrectal ultrasound, a thin probe is inserted into the rectum. This probe emits sound waves that produce images of the prostate gland.

Prostate MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s interior. A prostate MRI is used to visualize the prostate gland, often to identify suspicious areas that might be cancerous.

Prostate MRI images assist your healthcare team in determining the necessity of a biopsy and in planning the biopsy procedure if needed. If the MRI detects concerning areas, the biopsy can be targeted to these specific regions. Your prostate cancer doctor will use MRI results to guide further diagnostic steps.

During a prostate MRI, you will lie on a table that slides into the MRI machine, typically a large, tube-shaped magnet. The magnetic field and radio waves work together to create cross-sectional images of the prostate.

Different types of MRI techniques are used for prostate cancer, including:

Contrast-enhanced MRI: This type uses a contrast dye injected into a vein to enhance image clarity.
MRI with endorectal coil: This involves inserting a thin wire, called an endorectal coil, into the rectum to improve image quality.
Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI): mpMRI provides more detailed information about prostate tissue, helping to differentiate between healthy tissue and prostate cancer. Your prostate cancer doctor will determine the most appropriate MRI type for your situation.

Prostate Biopsy

Transrectal Biopsy of the Prostate

During a transrectal biopsy, guided by ultrasound imaging, your prostate cancer doctor uses a biopsy gun to rapidly insert a thin needle into suspicious areas of the prostate gland, collecting small tissue samples for laboratory analysis.

A biopsy is the definitive procedure to confirm the presence of prostate cancer. It involves removing a tissue sample from the prostate for laboratory examination. Your prostate cancer doctor will perform a prostate biopsy if other tests suggest cancer.

A prostate biopsy is performed using a needle, which can be inserted either through the skin (perineal) or through the rectum (transrectal) to reach the prostate. The choice of biopsy type is determined by your healthcare team.

Types of prostate biopsy procedures include:

Transrectal prostate biopsy: This is the most common type, where a needle is inserted through the rectal wall into the prostate. Ultrasound imaging is used to guide the needle to collect samples from different areas of the prostate. Your prostate cancer doctor will explain the procedure in detail.
Perineal prostate biopsy: In this less common approach, the needle is inserted through the perineum, the skin between the scrotum and anus, into the prostate. Imaging, often ultrasound, guides the needle to collect tissue samples.

Prostate tissue samples are sent to a pathology lab for analysis. Pathologists examine the samples under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present. Your prostate cancer doctor will discuss the biopsy results with you.

Prostate biopsy carries a risk of bleeding, blood in the urine or semen, urinary difficulties, and infection. Side effects can vary depending on the biopsy type. Discuss potential side effects and recovery expectations with your prostate cancer doctor.

Gleason Score and Grade Group: Assessing Cancer Aggressiveness

The Gleason score and grade group are used to assess the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, indicating how quickly the cancer might grow. This information is crucial for your prostate cancer doctor to determine the best treatment approach.

Pathologists analyze prostate cancer cells from the biopsy samples to determine the grade. Cancer cells resembling healthy cells are considered low grade and slow-growing, while cells that look very different are high grade and fast-growing.

Prostate cancer grades range from 1 to 5, with 1 being very low grade and 5 very high grade. The Gleason score is calculated by adding the most common grade and the second most common grade found in the biopsy samples.

Gleason scores range from 2 to 10. Scores of 5 or lower are not considered cancerous. Scores from 6 to 10 indicate cancer. A score of 6 suggests slow growth, while 10 indicates rapid growth. Your prostate cancer doctor will explain your Gleason score in detail.

Prostate cancer grade is also reported as a grade group, providing another way to understand cancer aggressiveness. The grade groups are:

Grade group 1: Gleason score 6 or less.
Grade group 2: Gleason score 7 (most common grade 3, second most common grade 4).
Grade group 3: Gleason score 7 (most common grade 4, second most common grade 3).
Grade group 4: Gleason score 8.
Grade group 5: Gleason score 9 or 10.

Your healthcare team uses the grade group, along with other factors, to determine the cancer stage and plan treatment. Your prostate cancer doctor will use this information to guide your treatment plan.

Prostate Cancer Biomarker Tests: Personalized Risk Assessment

Biomarkers are substances detectable in the body that provide information about biological processes. Prostate cancer biomarker tests analyze cancer cells to provide insights into the cancer’s characteristics and behavior. Your prostate cancer doctor may recommend biomarker tests to personalize your treatment.

Prostate cancer biomarker tests are used to:

Determine the need for a prostate biopsy: Some biomarker tests use blood or urine samples to detect prostate cancer signals, helping to decide if a biopsy is necessary.
Guide treatment decisions for early prostate cancer: These tests can assess the risk of cancer spreading beyond the prostate, helping to decide between immediate treatment or active surveillance. Your prostate cancer doctor will consider biomarker test results in treatment planning.
Inform treatment for advanced prostate cancer: For cancer that has spread, biomarker tests can predict treatment effectiveness.

Biomarker testing is not necessary for everyone. These tests are relatively new, and their optimal use is still being defined. Discuss with your prostate cancer doctor if biomarker testing is appropriate for you.

Imaging Tests for Cancer Spread: Detecting Metastasis

Imaging tests can identify if prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate, potentially to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Your prostate cancer doctor will determine if these tests are needed based on your individual situation.

Most men with prostate cancer have localized disease confined to the prostate and may not require these additional imaging tests.

When prostate cancer spreads, it is termed metastatic, stage 4, or advanced prostate cancer. Imaging tests used to detect spread include:

Bone scan: Uses radioactive tracers to highlight areas of bone changes, which may indicate cancer spread to the bones.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan: Uses X-rays to create detailed images of the body, detecting cancer spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI can also detect prostate cancer spread to lymph nodes or other areas.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: Uses a radioactive tracer that accumulates in fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells, to identify areas of cancer spread.
Prostate-specific membrane antigen PET scan (PSMA PET scan): A specialized PET scan using a tracer that targets PSMA, a protein on prostate cancer cells, to detect spread. Your prostate cancer doctor will choose the most appropriate imaging tests based on your risk factors.

Prostate Cancer Stages: Defining the Extent of Disease

Cancer staging describes the extent and severity of the cancer. Your healthcare team uses test results to determine the stage of your prostate cancer. The stage is a crucial factor in treatment planning and prognosis. Your prostate cancer doctor will explain your cancer stage and its implications.

Prostate cancer staging considers:

Cancer extent within the prostate.
Spread beyond the prostate to nearby tissues (rectum, bladder, etc.).
Lymph node involvement.
Distant metastasis (spread to other organs like bones).
PSA level.
Grade group.

Prostate cancer stages range from 1 to 4. Lower stages indicate localized cancer with a higher chance of cure, while higher stages suggest more advanced disease and potentially lower cure rates. However, prognosis is complex and depends on many factors, so discuss your individual prognosis with your prostate cancer doctor.

Prostate cancer stages include:

Stage 1 prostate cancer: Small, localized to one side of the prostate, low PSA, grade group 1.
Stage 2A prostate cancer: Small, one side of prostate, intermediate PSA OR both sides involved, low PSA, grade group 1.
Stage 2B prostate cancer: Confined to prostate, may involve both sides, intermediate PSA, grade group 2.
Stage 2C prostate cancer: Confined to prostate, may involve both sides, intermediate PSA, grade group 3 or 4.
Stage 3A prostate cancer: Confined to prostate, may involve both sides, high PSA, grade groups 1-4.
Stage 3B prostate cancer: Spread beyond prostate to seminal vesicles, bladder, rectum, etc., PSA may be low, intermediate, or high, grade groups 1-4.
Stage 3C prostate cancer: Grade group 5, any size prostate cancer, may have spread locally but not distantly.
Stage 4A prostate cancer: Spread to lymph nodes.
Stage 4B prostate cancer: Spread to distant sites like bones. Your prostate cancer doctor will explain your specific stage and its implications.

Prostate Cancer Prognosis: Understanding Your Outlook

Prognosis refers to the likely course and outcome of the disease. While cancer stage provides a general outlook, your individual prognosis depends on various factors. Discuss your prognosis with your prostate cancer doctor for a personalized understanding.

Factors influencing prostate cancer prognosis include:

Age.
Overall health.
Cancer stage.
PSA levels.
Biopsy results (Gleason score, grade group).

Your healthcare team will consider these factors to estimate your prognosis. Open communication with your prostate cancer doctor is essential to understand what to expect.

Prostate Cancer Survival Rates: Hopeful Statistics

Prostate cancer survival rates are generally encouraging, especially when detected and treated early. Understanding these statistics can provide hope and context. Discuss survival rates in the context of your individual case with your prostate cancer doctor.

For localized prostate cancer (confined to the prostate), the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%. As cancer spreads, survival rates decrease. For metastatic prostate cancer (spread to distant sites), the 5-year survival rate is approximately 37%.

It’s important to note that survival statistics are based on data collected over several years and may not reflect the most recent treatment advances. Prostate cancer death rates have been declining, and survival rates have been improving due to advancements in diagnosis and treatment. Your prostate cancer doctor can provide the most current and relevant survival information for your situation.

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Treatment: Managing Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer treatment options are diverse and tailored to individual needs. Your healthcare team, including your prostate cancer doctor, will create a personalized treatment plan based on cancer stage, grade, your overall health, and preferences. Treatment modalities include surgery, radiation therapy, medications (hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy), ablation therapy, and radiopharmaceuticals.

Active Surveillance: Careful Monitoring

Active surveillance may be recommended for slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer that isn’t causing symptoms. It involves regular monitoring with PSA tests, imaging, and biopsies to track cancer progression. Treatment is initiated if the cancer shows signs of growth. Active surveillance may be suitable for men with other health conditions that make treatment riskier. Discuss this option with your prostate cancer doctor to see if it’s appropriate for you.

Surgery for Prostate Cancer: Prostatectomy

Prostatectomy Incisions

During an open prostatectomy (left), a larger incision is made. Robotic prostatectomy (right) involves several smaller incisions, often preferred by prostate cancer doctors for its minimally invasive nature.

Prostatectomy, the surgical removal of the prostate gland, is a common treatment for prostate cancer confined to the prostate. In some cases, it can also be used for more advanced cancer. Your prostate cancer doctor will discuss the surgical options with you.

Types of prostatectomy include:

Laparoscopic prostatectomy: A minimally invasive approach using small incisions and specialized instruments to remove the prostate. Your prostate cancer doctor may recommend this approach for its smaller incisions and faster recovery.
Robotic prostatectomy: A robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery where the surgeon controls robotic arms with surgical tools through small incisions. This is now the most common method for prostatectomy, offering enhanced precision. Many prostate cancer doctors are skilled in robotic prostatectomy.
Open prostatectomy (retropubic prostatectomy): A traditional surgery involving a larger incision in the lower abdomen to remove the prostate. This approach is less common now but may be necessary in certain situations. Your prostate cancer doctor will explain if open surgery is recommended.

Prostatectomy carries risks like bleeding, infection, pain, and blood clots. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches generally have lower risks of these complications. Long-term side effects can include urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, which often improve over time. Discuss potential risks and benefits with your prostate cancer doctor.

External Beam Radiation Therapy

External Beam Radiation for Prostate Cancer

During external beam radiation therapy, a machine directs radiation beams at the prostate cancer from multiple angles. Your prostate cancer doctor and radiation oncology team will carefully plan your treatment.

External beam radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to target and destroy cancer cells. It’s a common treatment for prostate cancer. Your prostate cancer doctor may refer you to a radiation oncologist for this treatment.

During treatment, you lie on a table while a machine moves around you, delivering radiation beams to the prostate cancer. Treatments are typically given five days a week for several weeks. Shorter, more intensive schedules are also available. Discuss treatment schedules with your prostate cancer doctor or radiation oncologist.

External beam radiation is used for localized prostate cancer and may be used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. It can also manage advanced prostate cancer to slow growth and alleviate symptoms like pain.

Side effects of external beam radiation can include bowel irritation (diarrhea, bloody stool), urinary issues (frequent, painful urination), and erectile dysfunction. Discuss potential side effects and management strategies with your prostate cancer doctor and radiation oncology team.

Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

Permanent Prostate Brachytherapy

Permanent prostate brachytherapy involves implanting radioactive seeds directly into the prostate gland. Your prostate cancer doctor will work with a brachytherapy specialist to perform this procedure.

Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive material directly into or near the prostate gland to deliver targeted radiation. It’s another radiation therapy option for prostate cancer.

Permanent brachytherapy (low-dose rate) involves implanting tiny radioactive seeds into the prostate. These seeds release low doses of radiation over time. Temporary brachytherapy (high-dose rate) involves placing radioactive material in the prostate for short periods, repeated over several days. Your prostate cancer doctor will determine if brachytherapy is a suitable option.

Brachytherapy is primarily used for localized prostate cancer. It is not effective for cancer that has spread.

Side effects of brachytherapy can include urinary problems (frequency, pain, blood in urine), bowel issues (diarrhea, constipation), and erectile dysfunction. Discuss potential side effects and management with your prostate cancer doctor or radiation oncologist.

Ablation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Ablation therapy uses extreme temperatures (heat or cold) to destroy cancer cells directly. It’s not a standard treatment but may be used in specific situations. Discuss ablation therapy with your prostate cancer doctor to see if it’s an option for you.

Types of ablation therapy for prostate cancer include:

Cryoablation (cryotherapy): Uses freezing temperatures to destroy cancer cells. Needles are inserted into the prostate through the perineum to freeze and thaw the tissue, destroying cancer cells.
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU): Uses focused ultrasound waves to generate heat and destroy cancer cells. A probe is inserted into the rectum to deliver ultrasound waves to the prostate.

Ablation therapy may be used for very small, localized prostate cancers, or when surgery is not feasible due to other health conditions. It may also be used to treat cancer recurrence after radiation therapy. Your prostate cancer doctor will evaluate if ablation is appropriate in your case.

Side effects of ablation therapy can include pain, swelling, erectile dysfunction, and potential damage to the bladder or urethra, possibly requiring a urinary catheter. Discuss potential side effects with your prostate cancer doctor.

Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Hormone therapy aims to reduce testosterone levels or block its effects on prostate cancer cells, as prostate cancer cells rely on testosterone for growth. Hormone therapy can slow or stop cancer growth. Your prostate cancer doctor may recommend hormone therapy in various situations.

Hormone therapy approaches include:

Medications to stop testicular testosterone production: Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists and antagonists reduce signals that tell the testicles to produce testosterone. Examples include goserelin (Zoladex) and degarelix (Firmagon).
Medications to block testosterone action on cancer cells (antiandrogens): These medications, like bicalutamide (Casodex) and nilutamide (Nilandron), are often used with LHRH agonists.
Orchiectomy (surgical removal of testicles): This surgery rapidly lowers testosterone levels.

Hormone therapy is often used for prostate cancer that has spread or recurred. It can shrink tumors and slow growth. It may also be used with radiation therapy for localized cancer to enhance radiation effectiveness. Your prostate cancer doctor will determine if hormone therapy is needed.

Side effects of hormone therapy can include hot flashes, sleep disturbances, muscle loss, weight gain, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. Discuss potential side effects and management strategies with your prostate cancer doctor.

Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used in combination with hormone therapy for advanced prostate cancer that has spread or when hormone therapy is no longer effective. Your prostate cancer doctor may recommend chemotherapy for advanced disease.

Common chemotherapy drugs for prostate cancer include docetaxel (Beizray, Docivyx, Taxotere) and cabazitaxel (Jevtana), administered intravenously every three weeks.

Side effects of chemotherapy can include fatigue, easy bruising, increased infection risk, and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage causing numbness and tingling in fingers and toes). Discuss potential side effects with your prostate cancer doctor.

Targeted Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Targeted therapy drugs attack specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells. They are used for prostate cancer that has spread or recurred, often in combination with hormone therapy or alone. Your prostate cancer doctor may consider targeted therapy based on your cancer’s characteristics.

Examples of targeted therapy drugs for prostate cancer include niraparib (Zejula), olaparib (Lynparza), rucaparib (Rubraca), and talazoparib (Talzenna). These drugs are oral medications that block enzymes involved in DNA repair in cancer cells and are effective in patients with specific DNA mutations. Genetic testing may be needed to determine if targeted therapy is appropriate. Your prostate cancer doctor will discuss genetic testing and targeted therapy options.

Side effects of targeted therapy can include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, cough, easy bruising, and increased infection risk. Discuss potential side effects with your prostate cancer doctor.

Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer

Immunotherapy stimulates the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. It may be used for advanced prostate cancer. Your prostate cancer doctor will assess if immunotherapy is a suitable treatment option.

Prostate cancer immunotherapy approaches include:

Cell therapy (sipuleucel-T/Provenge): This therapy trains immune cells to target prostate cancer cells. Patient’s immune cells are collected, modified in a lab, and then infused back into the body. Side effects can include flu-like symptoms.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab/Keytruda): These drugs block checkpoint proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells. They are effective in a small subset of prostate cancers with specific DNA mutations. Side effects can include fatigue, skin rash, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, serious immune-related complications. Your prostate cancer doctor will determine if checkpoint inhibitors are appropriate based on genetic testing and cancer characteristics.

Immunotherapy is generally used for metastatic prostate cancer. Discuss potential benefits and risks with your prostate cancer doctor.

Radiopharmaceutical Treatments for Prostate Cancer

Radiopharmaceuticals are medications containing radioactive substances that deliver radiation directly to cancer cells. They are typically used for advanced prostate cancer. Your prostate cancer doctor may consider radiopharmaceuticals for metastatic disease.

Radiopharmaceutical treatments for prostate cancer include:

PSMA-targeted therapy (lutetium Lu-177 vipivotide tetraxetan/Pluvicto): This drug targets PSMA, a protein on prostate cancer cells, delivering radiation directly to cancer cells throughout the body. It is effective for PSMA-positive prostate cancer. Side effects can include dry mouth, nausea, and fatigue.
Bone-targeted therapy (radium Ra-223/Xofigo): This drug targets bone metastases, delivering radiation to bone cancer sites. It can help with bone pain and symptoms in metastatic prostate cancer limited to the bones. Side effects can include diarrhea and fatigue.

Radiopharmaceutical treatments are used for advanced prostate cancer. Discuss these options with your prostate cancer doctor.

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Clinical Trials: Exploring New Treatments

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Clinical trials are research studies evaluating new prostate cancer treatments. Participating in a clinical trial may offer access to cutting-edge therapies. Discuss clinical trial options with your prostate cancer doctor.

Alternative Medicine: Complementary Therapies

No alternative treatments can cure prostate cancer. However, complementary therapies can help manage side effects and improve well-being during cancer treatment. Discuss any complementary therapies with your prostate cancer doctor to ensure safety and integration with conventional treatment.

Complementary therapies that may help cope with cancer-related distress include:

Art therapy
Dance or movement therapy
Exercise
Meditation
Music therapy
Relaxation techniques
Spiritual practices

If you are experiencing distress, talk to your healthcare team. Your prostate cancer doctor can recommend appropriate support services and complementary therapies.

Coping and Support: Navigating the Journey

A prostate cancer diagnosis can evoke a range of emotions. Developing coping strategies and seeking support is essential.

Here are some coping tips:

Educate yourself: Learn about prostate cancer to make informed decisions. Reliable information sources can be recommended by your prostate cancer doctor.
Find a listener: Share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, counselor, or support group.
Connect with cancer survivors: Support groups and online communities offer peer support. Your prostate cancer doctor can provide resources for connecting with other survivors.
Prioritize self-care: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
Maintain intimacy: Explore alternative ways to express intimacy with your partner if erectile dysfunction occurs.

Preparing for Your Appointment: Being Ready

If you have prostate symptoms or concerns, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. You may be referred to a urologist or oncologist, specialists in prostate cancer. Being prepared for your appointment is crucial.

What you can do:

Note any restrictions: Ask if there are pre-appointment instructions, such as dietary restrictions.
List symptoms: Write down all symptoms, even seemingly unrelated ones.
Personal information: Note key personal and medical history, including stresses and recent changes.
Medication list: Compile a list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements.
Bring a companion: A friend or family member can help remember information.
Prepare questions: Write down questions to ask your healthcare team.

Questions to ask your prostate cancer doctor:

Do I have prostate cancer?
What is the stage and grade of my cancer?
Has the cancer spread?
What are my treatment options?
What are the risks and benefits of each treatment?
What is your recommended treatment approach?
Is active surveillance an option?
What are the potential side effects of treatment?
What is the prognosis?
Should I see a specialist?
What resources and support are available?

Don’t hesitate to ask additional questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor:

Your healthcare team will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about symptom onset, severity, relieving factors, and worsening factors.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

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Feb. 20, 2025