In 2009, approximately 192,280 new diagnoses of prostate cancer were made in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It is a gland that surrounds the urethra and makes some of the seminal fluid. Androgens (male hormones) help the prostate grow. There are various treatments for prostate cancer, and the appropriate treatment depends on your cancer's characteristics, your age and your general health.
Active Surveillance/Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is typically chosen if the risks of treatment outweigh any benefits for you. This is when your prostate cancer is caught early and is growing slowly or if you are older and have significant health problems. This option involves getting regularly checked by your physician and having annual biopsies. If the cancer shows signs of progressing or your prostate specific antigen (PSA) level starts rising your doctor will meet with you and discuss other treatment options.
Surgery
If you have stage I or stage II prostate cancer, surgery is generally an option but may also be offered if you have stage II or IV prostate cancer, according to Cancer.gov. The surgeon removes all or part of the prostate and possibly some pelvic lymph nodes. Some men experience urinary incontinence after surgery, but most men regain most of their bladder control, says Cancer.gov. Surgery can also impair the nerves around the prostate, causing impotence; this may be permanent, according to the National Cancer Institute. If this is a concern, talk with your doctor about medications or alternative ways to manage any sexual side effects from surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation can be used in place of surgery for men with early stage prostate cancer or may be used post-surgery to kill any cancer cells the surgery was unable to remove. It may also be used as palliative treatment to ease any symptoms in end-stage prostate cancer. Radiation may be external radiation, when the radiation is aimed toward the prostate from a machine outside the body; or internal radiation, when radioactive seeds are implanted in the prostate, according to Cancer.org. Side effects from radiation generally depend on the amount of radiation and the type, according to the National Cancer Institute. Fatigue, urinary incontinence, diarrhea and skin changes in the area being treated are all typical side effects, but generally go away once treatment has ended; although some men have long-lasting side effects, such as impotence.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy may be used with radiation therapy or it may be used alone. Androgens fuel the growth of prostate cancer, and hormone therapy blocks these hormones, interfering with the growth of the cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. These drugs are called antiandrogens. Side effects of these may include nausea, diarrhea, breast growth or tenderness, impotence, loss of sexual desire, increase in cholesterol, depression, anemia and hot flashes. If you are concerned about possible side effects of hormone therapy, talk with your doctor about ways to manage side effects and other possible options.
Chemotherapy
If your prostate cancer does not respond to hormone therapy, chemotherapy might be an option. Chemotherapy is given intravenously, and the side effects depend on the drugs used and the dosage. Chemotherapy kills fast-growing cells like cancer cells, but also affects other healthy fast-growing cells like those in your hair and digestive tract. Side effects can include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fluid retention and hair loss.
