Prostate cancer treatments and solutions
If you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you're not alone—and you have multiple proven treatment paths to consider. The best choice for you will depend on factors such as cancer stage, PSA levels, overall health, and personal preferences.
Here’s an overview of the four primary approaches to managing and treating prostate cancer: active surveillance, radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
1. Active Surveillance
Active surveillance is often recommended for men with low-risk or slow-growing prostate cancer. Rather than treating the cancer immediately, your care team will:
Monitor PSA levels regularly
Conduct digital rectal exams (DRE)
Perform occasional prostate biopsies
This method helps delay or avoid unnecessary treatment and its side effects, especially for cancers unlikely to progress quickly. If there are signs of cancer progression, more aggressive treatments can be initiated.
2. Radical Prostatectomy
Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the entire prostate gland, along with some surrounding tissue. It's often recommended for healthy men with localized cancer who are likely to benefit from a curative approach.
However, it is a delicate procedure that can impact surrounding nerves. Common side effects may include:
Erectile dysfunction
Urinary incontinence
Short-term recovery time
Minimally invasive techniques, including robot-assisted surgery, are sometimes used to reduce complications and improve recovery outcomes.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It's a popular alternative to surgery, especially for men who prefer non-surgical options or are not ideal candidates for surgery.
There are two main types:
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)
Brachytherapy (internal radiation using radioactive seeds)
Radiation generally causes less nerve damage than surgery, but side effects can include:
Fatigue
Rectal irritation
Urinary symptoms
Sexual dysfunction (depending on dose and duration)
4. Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)
ADT is a form of hormone therapy used when prostate cancer is advanced or recurrent. Since prostate cancer growth is often fueled by testosterone, ADT aims to slow or stop cancer progression by reducing or blocking testosterone levels.
While often effective, ADT comes with potential side effects, including:
Reduced libido
Erectile dysfunction
Fatigue
Bone thinning or weight gain
ADT may be used alone or in combination with radiation or other therapies.
Choosing the Right Treatment for You
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to prostate cancer. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a urologist or oncologist who specializes in prostate care. Together, you can weigh the risks, benefits, and long-term impact of each option.
Bastion Health offers expert virtual care and support to help you navigate prostate cancer treatment options with confidence—covered through your employer.
