Time-Life Medical

 

A Primer on Prostate Cancer

 

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Treatment

Treatment options for prostate cancer are complicated and you will undoubtedly have many questions and concerns. Here are some questions you might want to ask your doctor:

* What would you do if you were in my place?
* Who will perform the surgery, radiation or other therapy?
* Why are you recommending this treatment option and what are the main alternatives to consider?
* What is the cost of this procedure and will my insurance company pay for it?
* What are the possible side effects of this treatment? What are the risks of impotency and incontinence?
* What is the long-term survival rate for this procedure?
* How long before I will be able to perform sexually after treatment?
* What are the risks if I decide not to use this treatment or decide on another treatment?
* What adjustments to my daily activities will this treatment require?
* What is the probability of recurrence after treatment? If the cancer did recur, how would we deal with it at that time?
* Is watchful waiting an appropriate option for me? What about newer techniques, like cryosurgery or seed implantation?
* Do you mind if I get a second opinion? Can you recommend a doctor for me to consult for a second opinion?
* Can you provide me with information about this procedure that I can take home and read? (next)

Links in Prostate Cancer Series

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FIRST

UNDERSTANDING THE DIAGNOSIS

PSA TESTING FOR CANCER

OTHER DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES

STAGES OF CANCER

REFINING PSA TESTS

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT TREATMENT

HELP FOR INCONTINENCE

HELP FOR IMPOTENCE

A FIRST PERSON ACCOUNT: THE HUMAN SIDE OF PROSTATE CANCER

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