better manage the disease.
2. Early-Screening
Additionally, getting tested early yields more and better treatment options for patients with prostate cancer. If you’ve noticed common signs like painful urination or any type of pain in your belly and hip, get tested immediately.
According to Afro.com, “Prostate cancer has a higher chance of being diagnosed in stage 1 of the illness.” However, that percentage drops if the cancer is detected at a later stage. Even worse, treatment options become scarce as the condition worsens.
3. How Far Along Is My Prostate Cancer?
Not only can early screening lead to better treatment options but it’ll also tell you what stage of cancer you’re in. Knowing how far along your prostate cancer has progressed can be scary. However, understanding what type of prostate cancer you have can help you and your doctor better treat the disease.
4. Consider Your Treatment Options
After receiving early screening testing, patients should ask about what treatment options would best suit their needs. Typically, treatment options are determined based on what stage of cancer you have. A common treatment plan involves active surveillance, which is usually used in cases of slow-growing cancer.
Other options may include radiation therapy, where doctors make use of high-dose X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. Research reports that “Radiation comes from a machine outside the body or from the placement of thin plastic tubes containing radiation into the area where the cancer cells are found.” In other words, these treatments are effective in stopping or eliminating the disease altogether before it can even progress.
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5. Do I need surgery?
Your treatment plans may also lead to having surgery done in order to remove cancerous tissue. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a less invasive surgery that involves the removal of a patient’s cancerous prostate. Not only does this surgery lead to less abdominal trauma and blood loss but also a faster recovery process.
Dealing with any chronic illness can be a daunting experience. However, living with prostate cancer doesn’t mean we have to stop living our life. Asking questions and advocating for yourself can help you manage the disease. It can even stop the progression of prostate cancer as well, leading to remission. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask your doctor pressing questions about your condition. It could save your life in the end.