Prostate Cancer Can Often Be Treated Successfully
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men (after skin cancer), but it can often be treated successfully. If you have prostate cancer or are close to someone who does, knowing what to expect can help you cope.
Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. More advanced prostate cancers sometimes cause symptoms, such as:
- Problems urinating, including a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often, especially at night
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED)
- Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other areas from cancer that has spread to bones
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or even loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer pressing on the spinal cord
When You're Told You Have Prostate Cancer
- What are the chances that the cancer has spread beyond my prostate? If so, is it still curable?
- Do I need any other tests before we decide on treatment?
- Should I see any other types of doctors before deciding on treatment?
- What is the clinical stage and Gleason score (grade) of my cancer? What do those mean to me?
- If I’m concerned about the costs and insurance coverage for my diagnosis and treatment, who can help me?
