Prostate Cancer FAQs

Cancer Treatment Clinics in Payson & Scottsdale

 

Battling cancer is one of the hardest challenges that life can throw at you, but with a good cancer treatment team on your side, there’s always hope. At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we’re proud to help patients in the fight against cancer every day from our six cancer centers spread across Payson, Scottsdale, Glendale, & greater Phoenix. If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may be feeling overwhelmed – but educating yourself on your condition is the first step to recovery.

 

Common Questions About Prostate Cancer

 

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer refers to a cancerous growth forming in the prostate, which is a small walnut-sized gland that makes up part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is fairly common, but also one of the least lethal forms of cancer. Almost all men with prostate cancer are diagnosed at an early stage, and the majority are cancer free 5, 10, and 15 years after treatment.

What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?

There are a variety of potential treatment options for prostate cancer, and you and your doctor will choose one based on the specifics of your condition. The most common treatments for prostate cancer include:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted Therapy
  • Hormone Therapy

Often, two or more treatments will be combined to create the most effective treatment option.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the stage of the cancer, but the most common symptoms are changes in urination. Experiencing difficulty urinating, an increased frequency or urgency of urinating, a flow of urine that stops and starts, or blood in the urine can all be signs of prostate cancer.

Does radiation therapy produce side effects?

For most patients, the side effects of radiation therapy are very mild. While skin irritation at the site of radiation and fatigue are somewhat common, most patients experience few side effects and can resume normal daily activities quickly after treatment. That said, radiation therapy always carries a risk. Potential complications from radiation therapy include:

  • Constipation
  • Incontinence
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Blood in the stool
  • Injury to the bladder or rectal wall

 

Contact Your Phoenix Cancer Center for a Consultation

 

Prostate cancer is a serious condition, but thankfully, it’s one of the most treatable forms of cancer. If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We can work with you to create a treatment plan that works with your lifestyle, and we may be able to treat you using only noninvasive methods. Don’t wait – contact us today!

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