Treatment

The type of treatment will depend on a number of factors. These include:

• The stage of the cancer- localized in the prostate gland or spread to other parts of the body
• The Gleason score- high (more aggressive) or low grade biopsy grading
• The level of PSA in the blood stream
• The man’s age
• The man’s general medical health
• The side-effects of treatment

However, the final decision about the most appropriate treatment needs to be made on an individual basis, taking into account the wishes and decision of each patient.

Options for men whose cancer has not spread
There are several options for men whose cancer has not spread beyond the prostate.
• Watchful waiting
• Surgery – (Radical (total) prostatectomy)
• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
• External radiotherapy
• Brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy)

Options for men whose prostate cancer has spread
• Hormone treatment with surgery
• Hormone injections
• Palliative treatment
• Prognosis
If the prostate cancer is aggressive and has spread to other parts of the body, hormone therapy in combination with surgery or radiotherapy is often recommended.

Prostate cancer can be treated best when the cancer is found early and is still confined to the prostate.
In many cases, the cancer does not go away after treatment but stops growing or shrinks in size. Men usually return to normal or near normal good health. This may last for months or years.
After your treatment is finished, your doctor will recommend regular check-ups. If you have any new symptoms, you should see your doctor.

If you would like more information visit:
The Andrology Australia site: www.andrologyaustralia.org
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia: www.prostate.org.au