In light of the fact that there are no clear answers, how should a man diagnosed with prostate cancer determine his course of action?
Discover your options
The most important thing to do, suggested Dr. Jones, is to have a very honest discussion with your doctor- frankly addressing the factors that must be considered, including your age, general health, expected life span, the stage and grade of your cancer, and your feelings about how aggressively you want to treat the disease.
The first question a man needs to ask himself, says Dr. Jones, is, “Am I going to treat this cancer or am I comfortable with expectant management?” If you decide to treat, the second query should be, “Am I going to have surgery to remove the prostate or am I going to try another treatment?” If you decide to try another treatment, the third question is, “Which one should I choose, based on the pros and cons of each treatment option and my own feelings on the matter?”
Finally, seek a variety of medical opinions. “As the saying goes, if your only tool is a hammer, every problem will look like a nail,” said Dr. Jones. In other words, if you seek a surgeons opinion, he will likely be thinking surgically. If you see a radiation therapist, his recommendation will probably be radiation. Ultimately, you want to find a doctor you trust, who takes the time to explain all of your options to you, and helps you to think them through.
Source(s):
Stephen Jones, MD, is chairman of the department of regional urology at the Cleveland Clinic Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, and is associate professor of surgery (Urology) at Cleveland Clinic. He is author of two books, The Complete Prostate Book(Prometheus) and Overcoming Impotence (Prometheus).
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Reprinted with the permission of:
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