But about 40,000 men a year will die from the effects of prostate cancer. Your PSA can suggest the presence of prostate cancer 5 years earlier than a digital exam. Treatment can begin before other glands are involved. There is nothing radical about taking the entire prostate out in order to rid yourself of cancer. The success rate is high, but the side effects are many, especially for older men following an unhealthy lifetyle.
Impotence is often the worst fear, and is well founded.
Over 70 years old and 40-60 percent will have erection problems 18 months post surgery. Eight percent will have bladder control problems. Movement with early and frequent ambulation and deep breathing exercises decrease the risk. Excessive bleeding is quite rare. Ditto complications from anesthesia.