Radiation may be delivered to the prostate by a machine or by putting radioactive seeds inside the prostate where cancer cells are found. If your prostate cancer is early stage, your doctor may recommend brachytheraphy or radioactive seed implants. Hormone Therapy is used to stop the cancer from growing. Hormones are most often used when the cancer has spread outside the prostate. Your doctor may prescribe drugs that decrease the body's production of male hormones.
Some men experience hot flashes or notice growth in breast tissue from taking hormones.
The outlook for prostate cancer patients has improved steadily over the years. Doctors now have a better understanding of how to diagnose this disease early. Better treatment methods have improved survival rates. Today, many men with prostate cancer can be treated effectively and resume their normal lifestyles. Patients who take part in these trials make an important contribution to medical science and may have the first chance to benefit from improved treatment methods.