Each year, more than 241,000 American men learn they have prostate cancer. If you find yourself or someone you love has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, learning about prostate cancer treatment can help you take an active part in making choices about your or your loved ones care. Review this section's important information about prostate cancer testing and diagnosis, staging, and treatment options as you prepare for an appointment with your oncologist. After reviewing these sections, ask your cancer care team any additional questions that you may have about your individual situation.
Being aware of both the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, along with any risk factors for prostate cancer that are in your life is important. You can then take action to increase your chances to prevent prostate cancer or catch it earlier when an outcome is usually very high.
We understand that a new diagnosis of prostate cancer can be distressing. The Virginia Oncology Associates team will be with you every step of the way, from creating a treatment plan, getting a second opinion, and explaining what to expect after prostate cancer treatment. We will arrange your consultation quickly so you can get the information you need.
Also, our team of cancer specialists will help you, and your family, make individualized treatment decisions. During this process, you will gain the knowledge and confidence to help manage your prostate cancer and continue with routine activities of daily life.
With regular screening, most prostate cancers are found before they spread to other areas of the body. Many prostate cancers do not go beyond Stage 2; however, it’s important to learn about all the stages of prostate cancer and understand what each stage consists of.
Knowing where the cancer is located and how much is present is determined in the staging process.
Prostate cancer does not always require an immediate treatment plan. Your prostate cancer specialist at Virginia Oncology Associates will review your test results and will talk about watchful waiting if they feel that is an appropriate approach for slow-growing forms of the disease. Based on your stage of cancer and your general overall health, we will work together to develop a prostate cancer treatment plan that’s best for you. Your treatment options may include:
At Virginia Oncology Associates, we are fortunate to have partnerships with Duke University Oncology Consortium, National Cancer Institute, the US Oncology network, and other major cancer center. Since VOA has over 70 ongoing clinical trials at any given time that include research for prostate cancer, We are able to provide our community in Hampton Roads, Northeast North Carolina and the surrounding areas with access to new cancer therapies.
Find out if a prostate cancer clinical trial that might be right for you.
Specific inherited changes in certain genes can increase your risks of certain cancers, including prostate cancer; therefore, if your have a family history of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene, you should talk to a genetic counselor about getting tested.
Virginia Oncology Associates offers support for prostate cancer patients and their loved ones with support groups, community resources, genetic counseling, financial counseling with our Patient Benefit Representatives, and many more programs. We encourage you to learn more and take advantage of our supportive care services.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation is a prostate cancer specific organization that you might find helpful.
