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Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, but thanks to improvements in detection and treatment, the likelihood of surviving the diagnosis is good. Both the five-year and the 10-year survival rates for all stages of prostate cancer are 98%, according to the American Cancer Society. As a result, there more than 3.1 million men in the U.S. have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point.
Living after a cancer diagnosis is often called "survivorship." The survivorship experience is different for every cancer survivor, but it's possible to predict some of what the survivor might experience based on the type of cancer. For example, both prostate cancer and its treatment can cause urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
"I think survivorship is just a critical issue in prostate cancer management," says Dr. Matthew Tollefson, a Mayo Clinic urologist. "The location of the prostate is a factor, so many men are concerned about urinary function and sexual function, and to some extent bowel function, because these are all in the the general region of the prostate."
After treatment, men may be hesitant to discuss their side effects or be self-conscious about sharing their feelings and worries. Health care providers can help.
"It's absolutely critical to have that discussion with your doctor, says Dr. Tollefson. "We have effective treatments to manage almost all the side effects that can come up, whether they be issues with body composition, or sexual function or urinary control. It's important to understand that that these are common things and recognize that your physician has likely heard this from many people before and really is well-equipped to help manage and get through some of the issues that that do arise."
On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Tollefson discusses what men can expect after treatment for prostate cancer and how they can improve their quality of life going forward.
To practice safe social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, this interview was conducted using video conferencing. The sound and video quality are representative of the technology used. For the safety of its patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in an area not designated for patient care, where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.
For more information and all your COVID-19 coverage, go to the Mayo Clinic News Network and mayoclinic.org.
Connect with others talking about prostate cancer, and supporting one another in the Prostate Cancer support group.
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Great presentation.
Dr. Tollefson,
Excellent presentation. I would appreciate your comments on watchful waiting in my situation. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2/20 with a PSA score of 7.47. In 8/20 the PSA was 8.19. In 5/21 the PSA was 7.87 and in 11/21 it was 9,79. I had a MRI and several biopsies to pin point the exact location of the tumor. My Gleason score was 3+3. I would like to further discuss your suggestions.
Hi @kitty1834, I'm glad that the interview with Dr. Tellefson was informative for you. Should you wish to consult with the team at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, please submit an appointment request by using the online form or calling. See details here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
You can submit this request yourself or ask your physician to make the referral.
Coming to Mayo is not an option but I would be interested in a phone consultation. Please advise.
Virtual care may be an option for both new and existing patients. I suggest calling Mayo Clinic to find out if a phone consultation is possible for you. Here's further information in the form of frequently asked questions: https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments/faq
Muchos pacientes con cáncer de próstata mueren de cualquier otra enfermedad ,sin saber que tenían cáncer de próstata. Se justifica hacer pruebas para detectar el cáncer de próstata después de los 70 años ,o es mejor no someter al paciente a pruebas y tratamientos que ya no tienen razón de ser por su avanzada edad ?
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2 ReactionsHola, @german
¿Qué recomiendan los expertos?
La mayoría de las organizaciones médicas alientan a los hombres de 50 años a analizar los pros y los contras de la detección del cáncer de próstata con su médico. El análisis debe incluir una revisión de tus factores de riesgo y tus preferencias sobre la detección.
Podrías considerar comenzar antes si eres de raza negra, tienes antecedentes familiares de cáncer de próstata o tienes otros factores de riesgo.
Si eliges realizar el examen de detección de cáncer de próstata, la mayoría de las organizaciones recomiendan detenerse alrededor de los 70 años o si desarrollas otras afecciones médicas graves que limiten tu esperanza de vida.
- Examen de detección de cáncer de próstata: ¿Deberías someterte a una prueba de APE? https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/tests-procedures/psa-test/in-depth/prostate-cancer/art-20048087
What do experts recommend? According to Mayo Clinic:
"Most medical organizations encourage men in their 50s to discuss the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening with their doctors. The discussion should include a review of your risk factors and your preferences about screening.
You might consider starting the discussions sooner if you're black, have a family history of prostate cancer or have other risk factors.
If you choose to have prostate cancer screening, most organizations recommend stopping around age 70 or if you develop other serious medical conditions that limit your life expectancy."
Read more:
- Prostate cancer screening: Should you get a PSA test? https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/psa-test/in-depth/prostate-cancer/art-20048087