What is the prognosis?
The outlook for prostate cancer is very variable.
Some prostate cancers are slow-growing and do not affect life
expectancy. On the other hand some are already spread to other parts of
the body when they are diagnosed. The response to treatment is also
variable.
The treatment of cancer is a developing area of
medicine. New treatments continue to be developed and the information
on outlook above is very general. The specialist who knows your case
can give more accurate information about your particular outlook, and
how well your type and stage of cancer is likely to respond to
treatment.
Screening for prostate cancer
Screening for prostate cancer is controversial. A routine blood test which shows a high PSA may
indicate that you have prostate cancer. However, there are other causes
of a high PSA. Also, many prostate cancers are slow-growing and do not
cause problems, particularly in older men. Some experts believe that if
all men were screened then there may be many men found with a raised
PSA level. Many men may then be investigated and treated unnecessarily
with all the possible risks and side-effects of the investigations and
treatment. Put simply, some people believe that screening for all men
may do more harm than good.
Currently there is no national
screening programme in the UK. However, you can decide for yourself if
you would like a PSA test. It is best to discuss the pros and cons of
the test with your GP. After counselling, if you decide that you would
like the test, many GPs will do the test on request. See separate
leaflet called 'PSA Test for Prostate Cancer' for further details on the PSA screening test.
Further help and information
The Prostate Cancer Charity
Helpline: 0845 300 8383 Web: www.prostate-cancer.org.uk
Provides support and information for patients and their families.
Prostate UK
Tel: 020 8788 7720 Web: www.prostateuk.org
A national charity dealing with all prostate diseases, including prostate cancer.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Tel: 0808 800 1234 Web: www.macmillan.org.uk
Provides information and support to anyone affected by cancer.
Cancer Research UK
Web: www.cancerhelp.org.uk provides facts about cancer including treatment choices.
The NHS Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme
Web: www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/prostate/index.html
Provides information as to why there is no organised screening
programme for prostate cancer but an informed choice programme instead.
Other support groups
See www.patient.co.uk/selfhelp.asp for a list of support groups for cancer patients.
Average rating:
DnTuatura, over 2 years
Nothing here desc ribes the way my husband found he had this cancer. A little more specifics in the descriptions might help men, who are traditionally absolute pants at telling what is happening to them. Is there anyone out there who has had a massive swelling in one leg and swollen balls?
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