But it might be less devastating than you fear. Earlier diagnosis, advanced procedures and new technologies are saving the lives of many men with this common cancer and maintaining their quality of life after surgery. If doctors find cancer, Huffman says, they tailor treatment based on a patient's cancer stage, health and age. Tumors caught early, before they have spread beyond the prostate gland, are easier to treat. Men should ask their doctors for information about all options, from their success rates to their side effects.
Some men opt for a combination of different therapies.
Others go for a straightforward approach. Most studies show better survival rates with surgery than radiation. Patients should look for facilities where surgeons conduct many such procedures and have shown good results, Huffman suggests. Even if incontinence or other effects occur, Huffman says. But doctors also use radiation to treat prostate cancer.