There are currently multiple avaible options for treating prostate cancer. These range from Active Surveillance to surgical removal of the prostate gland. For non-metastatic disease, there are also multiple radiation treatment options and cryosurgical ablation of the prostate. For metstatic prostate cancer or patients who are not candidates for surgery or radiation, there is also hormonal therapy to slow the growth of the cancer and chemotherapy when all else has failed.

The popularity of surgery in this country has grown rapidly in recent years. A study of Medicare patient records found that the number of men nationwide undergoing radical prostatectomy by 1990 had increased six-fold since 1984. Since 1993, the rate of radical prostatectomy has gradually dropped a bit, largely attributable to the improved delivery of radiation therapies. The development of the da Vinci Surgical System, however, has sparked a resurgence. With a minimally invasive means to remove the entire prostate, while allowing rapid return to normal activity, more patients than ever are choosing surgery.

For the patient diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are multiple factors to consider before choosing a mode of treatment. Important considerations are age, overall health, and the value placed on the various side effects that can result from each treatment. Some men, for example, cannot imagine living with side effects such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction, two of the risks of surgery. Other men are less concerned about the risk of dealing with such issues and are focused on maximizing the chance of survival.

Treatment decisions can be difficult to make by yourself. No written information can take the place of talking directly with your physician. In addition, talk with your family and friends and consider getting more than one opinion. It is natural for surgical specialists such as urologists to recommend surgery and for radiation oncologists to recommend radiation. Your primary care physician should be able to help you choose the treatment that is best for you. You might find it useful to speak with others who have faced or are currently facing the same issues. Visit the Links Page for a list of internet forums devoted to prostate cancer issues.