If prostate cancer is diagnosed early and is potentially curable, there are many treatment options including: active surveillance, external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy and radical prostatectomy. Unfortunately all potentially curative options for prostate cancer have potential side effects. These side effects vary greatly between the individual options but include; impotence, incontinence and bowel disturbance. With modern technology these side effects have been greatly reduced.
How does a man decide whether or not to be tested for Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer testing or screening is an important decision for men to make. There is no right or wrong answer and the decision whether or not to be tested is a complex issue. The decision should be made in conjunction with a patient’s treating doctor and their partner after reading the appropriate information on prostate cancer early detection and weighing up the risks and benefits whilst their goals, fears and willingness to accept these risks and potential benefits.
