Radiocast: Prostate Cancer Treatment

Rand: This is Healthcare 411. The latest AHRQ report compares prostate cancer treatments. Next.

[Begin PSA Tips to Prevent Medical Errors]

Man: Okay, here’s your ham on rye, extra mayo.

Woman: Uh, I ordered the turkey on whole wheat with mustard!

Narrator: Messing up your sandwich order is one thing, but messing up your medical care is another. Medical errors are one of the nation’s leading causes of death and injury. But you can help avoid errors by being more involved in your health care. Get the fact sheet, "20 Tips to Prevent Medical Errors," by visiting www.ahrq.gov/consumer. A message from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

[End PSA]

Rand: This is Healthcare 411. AHRQ has released a comparative effectiveness report that provides men with the latest scientific evidence comparing prostate cancer treatments. AHRQ researcher Dr. William Lawrence explains the key findings.

Dr. Lawrence: One important finding was that, for patients who choose surgery, outcomes may vary according to treatment settings. The evidence shows that patients who undergo complete prostate removals are less likely to experience urinary incontinence or other complications if the operation was done by an experienced surgeon in a hospital that does many of these procedures.

Rand: So, overall, what are the treatment risks?

Dr. Lawrence: All treatments can cause health problems, primarily urinary incontinence, bowel problems and erectile dysfunction. The chances of bowel problems or sexual dysfunction are similar for surgery and external radiation. However, among patients who choose surgery, urinary complications and incontinence are less likely if their surgeons performed more than 40 prostate removals per year.

Rand: Dr. Lawrence, what would you advise to someone who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is now weighing treatment options?

Dr. Lawrence: Men should take into account their age, race, ethnicity, health status, family history, personal preferences and how quickly the cancer is likely to spread. Patients need to collaborate with their clinicians to choose the option that is best for them.

Rand: To learn about this and other health topics, go to healthcare411.ahrq.gov. I’m Rand Gardner. Healthcare 411 is produced by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.