Regional Medical Center | Thrive for Life | Summer 2018

Treatment options Because prostate cancer usually grows slowly, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting or active surveillance with early-stage disease. Watchful waiting means no treatment is rendered unless the cancer starts to cause pain or other problems. Active surveillance means the cancer is closely watched through regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, digital rectal exams and biopsies. Treatment begins only if the cancer shows signs of worsening. If additional treatment is necessary, there are several other common options. Your doctor can tell you more about risks and benefits of each. Surgery. When prostate cancer hasn't spread, surgery to remove the tumor and nearby tissue may be an option. The procedure may cause problems with sexual function or urinary incontinence, risks that can be reduced if nerves around the prostate can be spared in surgery. Radiation therapy. External radiation may be used, or tiny seed implants may be placed near the tumor. Erectile dysfunction or urinary problems can occur after radiation therapy. Hormone therapy. This therapy lowers levels of male hormones, like testosterone, that fuel cancer growth. It may be done with drugs or with surgery to remove one or both testicles. Possible side effects include problems with sexual function and weak bones. Chemotherapy. Chemo drugs are often used to destroy cancer cells and treat advanced prostate cancer that has spread. Some treatments may be combined, and other options— including clinical trials and treatments to relieve pain or other side effects— may also be appropriate. Can prostate problems be prevented? A diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce prostate enlargement. Some herbs and supplements—such as fish oil, saw palmetto, zinc, lycopene, and vitamins D and E—have proven effective in reducing the risk of prostate cancer and prostate health issues. When symptoms of prostate disease do occur, however, it is important to seek professional medical care. Screenings for prostate problems can help identify issues early. Talk to your doctor to determine if screening is recommended for you. ●   ● A digital rectal exam estimates the size of the prostate and checks for lumps or other abnormalities. ●   ● The PSA test measures levels of PSA, a substance made by the prostate, in the blood. PSA levels may be higher in men who have prostate cancer or they can be elevated in other conditions affecting the prostate. Other factors, such as age and race, can also affect PSA levels. Sources: American Society of Clinical Oncology; National Cancer Institute, American Urological Association, Harvard.edu, American Cancer Society, CDC If you experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor. Although some may be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer, it’s important to get checked out right away. What you can do Get screened! Talk with your doctor about which tests are right for you and when. See page 15 for more info about our upcoming September screening event. Read about comprehensive cancer care at RMC on our website: rmccares.org/cancer-care . What to watch for ●   ● Frequent urge to urinate ●   ● Need to urinate many times during the night ●   ● Blood in urine or semen ●   ● Painful or burning urination ●   ● Dribbling of urine ●   ● Painful ejaculation ●   ● Frequent pain or stiffness in upper thighs, lower back, hips, or pelvic or rectal area Sources: American Cancer Society; American Society of Clinical Oncology; American Urological Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Harvard.edu; National Cancer Institute 7 rmccares.org