What Are the Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer?

What are the treatment options for prostate cancer? In this short video, Steven G. Lester, M.D., F.A.C.R.O., a board-certified radiation oncologist, at Central Florida Cancer Care Center describes the different treatment methods available for prostate cancer patients.
“A lot of our patients under 65 years of age come in and have the option of either surgery or radiation,” says Dr. Lester. “They are trying to decide which way they would like to be treated. Patients often ask what their stage is and try to make a determination with regards to treatment.”
“Staging is important for prostate cancer, but now we use risk factors to help decide as to the chances the surgeon can remove the prostate cancer, which means probably removing the entire prostate. If a patient has a very low-risk disease (cancer), they have the option to go with surgery or radiation.”
“Younger patients in their early 50s often opt for surgery. Patients 65 or older usually have radiation. Everyone in the middle has to determine which treatment modality is best for them. And it comes down to how they feel emotionally about the treatments regarding potential side effects. Patients will come in, we will discuss their options with them, we'll review whether they have all the options, and then we'll make a decision.”
“Patients who have a higher-risk disease or possible positive margins or extension outside of the gland often will opt for radiation because they don't want to go through surgery and radiation. But each patient has to individualize their treatment plan, know their options, and in the end, decide as to which way they would like to be treated. You must talk to your doctor, and you must get all your questions answered.”
“It's always good to bring a family member to the doctor’s office because it's hard to remember everything. Once you have all the facts, you can make your decision. Move forward with it. Don't look back. Don't regret your decision. Just move forward and do what's best for you.”
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