Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in American men, with nearly 175,000 new cases diagnosed each year. But having a prostate cancer diagnosis doesn’t always mean that you need medical intervention.
As one of the leading experts in male reproductive health and microsurgery, Eric K. Seaman, MD, takes a personalized approach to treating prostate cancer at his practice in Millburn, New Jersey. When exploring your options, it’s important to consider several factors. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve had a recent diagnosis.
Prostate cancer develops in the small gland surrounding your urethra. In the early stages, it usually causes few symptoms and risks. But, as prostate cancer progresses, it can cause a variety of issues, including:
As prostate cancer advances, it can also spread to other organs and your bones and become life-threatening.
When deciding on treatment, there are a number of factors to consider, including:
While prostate cancer is very common, it usually grows slowly and remains confined to the prostate gland. If your cancer is in the earliest stages and confined to your prostate gland, Dr. Seaman might recommend active surveillance. This involves monitoring your condition, overall health, and prostate symptoms before undergoing treatment.
If you have a more aggressive form of prostate cancer — or uncomfortable symptoms — treatment is often the best option for managing your condition.
Another crucial factor in deciding on prostate cancer treatment is your age. Approximately 6 in 10 prostate cancer cases occur in men age 65 and older. The average age for a diagnosis is 66.
If you’re older or have a slow-growing cancer, it might make more sense to avoid the ordeal and risks that can come with treating prostate cancer. In these cases, Dr. Seaman will work closely with you to manage your disease and any symptoms that may arise over time. However, if you’re a younger man in otherwise good health, treating your prostate cancer could be your best option for a cure.
When developing your care plan, Dr. Seaman will work closely with you to weigh the possible risks and side effects of prostate cancer treatment. Since some options can cause major side effects, it’s essential to consider your overall health and well-being when deciding whether to pursue medical intervention. If you have other serious health issues or don’t expect to live much longer, you might be less inclined to go through the ordeal of treatment to address your condition. If you’re otherwise healthy, however, the benefits of prostate cancer treatment may outweigh the risks.
Depending on your diagnosis, there is a wide range of treatment options, including:
Each of these therapies come with their own risks, advantages, and side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. When exploring your treatment options, it’s critical to consider whether the benefits outweigh the challenges that may come with your treatment.\
Trying to decide how to treat prostate cancer can be hard, but you’re not alone. To learn more about your treatment options, book an appointment online or over the phone with Eric K. Seaman, MD, today.
