Stage A prostate cancer cannot be detected by digital rectal exam, as a Stage A tumor is small. This is initially staged by digital rectal exam or prostate ultrasound. Stage C Stage C refers to a more locally invasive tumor with extension beyond the capsule of the prostate. Unfortunately we don't completely know the answers to these questions. Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy has been used for years to treat prostate cancer.
Some experts claim that the cure rate with radiation therapy is as good as with surgery.
Other experts however disagree with this. Radiation therapy does indeed cure some patients and has fewer risks than surgery. For this reason it is commonly used in older patients and in patients with other medical problems. Radiation therapy certainly has an important place in treating prostate cancer. Most urologists believe that a radical prostatectomy offers the greatest chance for cure of prostate cancer.