|
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.
|
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.
|
"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."
|
| "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." |
| "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." |
Next Section > |
