When someone finds out they have prostate cancer, they have several treatment choices. Doctors will help pick the best treatment based on how serious the cancer is and your overall health. Here are the main treatments clearly explained:
1. Active Surveillance
Active surveillance means carefully watching the cancer without doing surgery or radiation right away.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Avoids unnecessary treatments | Cancer might grow faster than expected |
| Regular check-ups catch changes early | Need frequent tests and doctor visits |
| No immediate side effects | Can cause worry about untreated cancer |
2. Surgery (Prostatectomy)
Doctors remove the prostate gland to get rid of cancer.
| Pros | Cons |
| Removes cancer completely if caught early | Surgery can have side effects (leaking urine, sexual problems) |
| Usually only one treatment needed | Recovery takes time |
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses strong energy rays to kill cancer cells.
| Pros | Cons |
| No surgery needed | Requires many visits to complete treatment |
| Good for men who can’t have surgery | Side effects (tiredness, bathroom changes) |
4. Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy stops cancer cells from growing by lowering certain hormones.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can quickly slow cancer growth | Side effects (hot flashes, feeling tired, weaker bones) |
| Helps radiation work better | Not a cure by itself |
4. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses special medicines to slow cancer that has spread.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can control advanced cancer | Side effects (hair loss, nausea, tiredness) |
| Can improve quality of life if cancer has spread | Not a cure by itself |
Other Treatments (Less Common)
Cryotherapy (Freezing)
- Uses cold temperatures to freeze and kill cancer cells.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
- Uses focused sound waves to heat and destroy cancer cells.
These treatments (Cryotherapy and HIFU) aren’t as common because:
- There’s less long-term information on how well they work.
- Doctors usually prefer surgery or radiation because they have better, proven results.
- They may only be used in special cases or if standard treatments can’t be used.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Choosing a treatment depends on:
- How fast your cancer is growing
- Your overall health and age
- Possible side effects and your lifestyle
- Personal preferences
Always talk with your doctor to decide what’s best for you.