I have prostate cancer – now what?

 

Once you have a firm diagnosis of prostate cancer, your doctor, usually your urologist, will sit down with you and should discuss the following eight issues:

 

1. grade of the tumour

2. stage of the tumour

3. significance of PSA

4. impact of various treatment options on your quality of life, specifically with respect to sexual functioning and urinary control

5. the risk of your particular cancer causing major problems during your lifetime if not treated

6. the likelihood of cure with each of the treatment options

7. the likelihood of disease control with each of the treatment options if the cancer is not curable

8. risks of the major side effects from each of the treatment options