Prostate Cancer Treatment: An Overview
Many men with
prostate cancer want to take an active part in making decisions about their care. It is natural to want to learn all you can about prostate cancer and your prostate cancer treatment choices. However, shock and stress after the
prostate cancer diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything you want to ask your doctor. It often helps to make a list of questions before an appointment.
To help remember what the doctor says about your prostate cancer treatment options, you may take notes or ask whether you may use a tape recorder. You may also want to have a family member or friend with you when you talk to the doctor -- to take part in the discussion, to take notes, or just to listen. You do not need to ask all your
prostate cancer questions at once. You will have other opportunities to ask your doctor or nurse to explain things that are not clear and to ask for more details.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, or you may ask for a referral. Specialists involved with prostate cancer treatment include:
- Urologists
- Urologic oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Medical oncologists.
Getting a Second Opinion About Prostate Cancer Treatment
Before starting prostate cancer treatment, you might want a second opinion about your diagnosis and treatment plan. Many insurance companies cover a second opinion if you or your doctor requests it. It may take some time and effort to gather medical records and arrange to see another doctor. Usually, it is not a problem to take several weeks to get a second opinion. In most cases, the delay in starting prostate cancer treatment will not make treatment less effective. To make sure, however, you should discuss this delay with your doctor. Some men with prostate cancer need treatment right away.
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