Overtreatment for Prostate Cancer

New studies show that many men are over-treated for prostate cancer, undergoing prolonged hormone therapy that destroys their sex life and leaves them prone to uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes.

If you’ve been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, it’s important that you discuss treatment options with your doctor. Today, I’ve got some information that can help prepare you for that conversation.

The first question to ask is how widespread your cancer is. If your cancer is limited to the interior of the prostate, the best course of treatment will be different than if the cancer has spread to the exterior of the prostate. Treatment will be different still if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body.

For cancer that is limited to the interior of the prostate, radiation therapy is often sufficient, but many doctors prescribe a six-month or three-year round of hormone therapy, too. They do this to be on the safe side, but at this time, there’s no evidence to support hormone treatment unless the cancer has spread to the exterior of the prostate.

It’s important to discuss your specific situation and the possible benefits and drawbacks of hormone therapy before committing to it. The good news is that while hormone therapy is disruptive to your quality of life—especially your sex life—should you and your doctor decide you need hormone therapy, your sexual function will return in full once you complete the therapy.

Currently in the US, many researchers believe that most men are being over-treated for their prostate cancer, especially early stage cancers. By discussing these findings with your doctor, you can help come up with the best treatment plan for your specific needs and hopefully minimize the discomfort and stress that go along with fighting any cancer.

Stay well,
Danny Wallace