Prostate cancer is cancer of the prostate gland, which is a part of the male reproductive system. There are many different types of treatment for prostate cancer, including watchful waiting, which is refraining from any active treatment and monitoring the disease. Each treatment brings its own side effects, and not everyone will experience every side effect.
Surgery
According to the American Cancer Society, radical prostatectomy is potentially curative surgery for prostate cancer. In this surgery, the prostate gland is removed, along with some surrounding tissues. One side effect of prostate surgery is urinary incontinence. Incontinence may occur when you sneeze or cough, or you may feel like you have not fully emptied your bladder. In most cases, bladder control improves over the weeks and months following surgery. Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is another possible side effect of this surgery. In men who are able to have erections after surgery, there is no ejaculation with orgasm because the glands involved in producing semen were removed during surgery. If maintaining fertility is important to you, talk to your doctor prior to surgery about banking sperm for the future.
Radiation Therapy
There are two kinds of radiation for prostate cancer: internal radiation (brachytherapy) and external beam radiation therapy. Newer ways of administering radiation help aim the treatment more precisely toward the cancer, sparing surrounding normal tissue and possibly reducing side effects. Side effects of external radiation may include diarrhea, frequent urination, urinary incontinence, impotence, fatigue and lymphedema (buildup of fluid in the radiated area, caused by radiation to the lymph nodes). With brachytherapy, there is a risk of the radioactive seeds migrating, but they have not been found to cause any damage. Other side effects of brachytherapy include bowel problems, urinary frequency and impotence.
Hormone (Androgen Deprivation) Therapy
Androgens are male hormones, and hormone therapy for prostate cancer aims to reduce levels of these hormones in the body because they fuel prostate cancer growth. Changes in hormone levels can cause various side effects, which include: lowered libido, erectile dysfunction, growth of breast tissue, weight gain, fatigue, depression, hot flashes, anemia and osteoporosis. Other medications can be used to counteract some of these side effects, and your health care team can go over ways of reducing their impact on your life.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be used as a treatment for prostate cancer if the hormone therapy has not been effective, according to the American Cancer Society. Possible side effects of chemotherapy include hair loss, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, loss of appetite, lowered white and red blood cell counts (which can lead to increased risk of infection and anemia) and easy bruising. Depending on the specific drug(s) used, dosage, and regimen, side effects may vary.
