Common Prostate Cancer Questions Answered

If you or a loved one is facing a prostate cancer diagnosis or if you are just interested in learning more about the disease, our team at St. Louis CyberKnife is available to answer any questions you may have.

We’ve compiled a list below of some of the most common questions men may have about prostate cancer and treatment.

• Question: Should you get screened for prostate cancer if you are a man in your fifties?

The American Cancer Society does not recommend routine screenings at this time due to lack of evidence that the benefits of prostate cancer screenings outweigh the risks. Instead, if you’re a man in your 50s, you should talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of getting tested and then decide if screenings are right for you.

• Question: What issues should I think about when choosing a treatment for my prostate cancer?

Maintaining quality of life is often a main concern of men seeking treatment for prostate cancer. There are some potential side effects commonly associated with certain prostate cancer treatment methods, so it’s important to carefully review all of your available options with your doctor and choose the one you are most comfortable with.

• Question: If I am diagnosed with prostate cancer, shouldn’t I get it removed as soon as possible? Why do some men wait?

Some prostate tumors diagnosed through screenings may never actually grow, spread or cause any harm. So instead of removing the tumors immediately and risking potential side effects from aggressive treatment, some men choose “active surveillance” which involves monitoring the prostate often with exams, tests or ultrasounds.

For other questions regarding prostate cancer, please contact our center at (636) 496-4660 and request information about CyberKnife^® treatment.

This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.