Choosing the best prostate cancer treatment is a very personal decision and obviously not one to be taken lightly. When men receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, they may go into shock as they hear the words, "you have cancer". Eventually, men and their partners who are part of this club that no one wants to join may find the strength and courage to openly share their deepest concerns and personal experiences. The bonds among club members often become strong and compelling over time, and anyone recently diagnosed should be aware that this support and information is available to them. There is no reason to feel alone.
In the typical diagnostic scenario, the physician delivers the diagnosis, offers support, and provides a great deal of information. Many men and their partners say that the information becomes blurred once they hear the word cancer. They experience many emotions including strong, self-protective denial-"this diagnosis must be a mistake, certainly he's not talking about me!" Once the initial shock subsides, the journey begins.
The first task is to acquire as much information as possible to help you make an informed treatment decision. Prostate cancer is beginning to receive the level of attention, support, research, and funding that other cancers, such as breast cancer, have long received. We still have quite a ways to go in that respect, but the treatment options currently available are many. They are also safer and more effective than ever due to advances in knowledge and technology.
References:
- Ellsworth P. 100 Questions & Answers About Prostate Cancer.2nd ed. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers; 2009.
- American Cancer Society, Bostwick D, Crawford ED, Higano C, Roach M, eds. Complete Guide to Prostate Cancer.Atlanta, GA: ACS Health Promotions; 2005.
- Walsh PC, Worthington JF. Dr Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer" 2nd ed. New York, NY: Wellness Central; 2007.
- Scholz, M. Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer: Evaluating The Options -- Part 2 Of 3. CRI Insights [online] August 2003 vol. 6, no. 3, Available at: http://www.prostate-cancer.org/pcricms/node/141#ADT. Accessed on September 11, 2010.
- Vogelzang, 2010 American Society of clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. August 2010 article: Cabazitaxel New Chemo Approved for Advanced Prostate Cancer. Available at: http://www.ustoo.org/PDFs/HotSheets/HotSheet082010.pdf . Accessed on September 11, 2010.
- Warde, 2010 American Society of clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. July 2010 article: RT Shown Beneficial for Prostate Cancer Subset. Available at: http://www.ustoo.org/Hot_Sheets.asp. Accessed on September 11, 2010.
- Crouzet, 2010 American Urological Association Annual Meeting Retrieved from July 2010 article: High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Noninferior to External Beam RT for Prostate Cancer. Available at: http://www.ustoo.org/Hot_Sheets.asp. Accessed on September 11, 2010.
- MSNBC. FDA approves new drug for prostate cancer (press release). Available at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36853649/ns/health-cancer/. Accessed September 14, 2010.
This article has been reviewed by a member of the Wellness Partners Editorial Board.
Posted September 2010
