Only a biopsy can positively confirm the presence of cancer. Guidelines for men are to have a prostate exam every year to two years. Some insurances cover the exam. In addition, age and health problems will be considered in the ultimate treatment decision. If cancer is found, patients may have surgery, radiation, both or begin a program of watchful waiting.
Statistics show if the cancer is caught early, surgery and radiation can result in a cure.
However, the survival from prostate cancer is not without consequences. Viagra is the latest in a series of drugs that may be used following prostate surgery to help with erectile dysfunction. Prostate cancer has ranked among the top five cancers for decades. For 1996, the last year with complete data, it remains the number one diagnosed cancer at Bliss Cancer Center. Studies show that prostate cancer may be hereditary.