What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer

Article date: August 30, 2011

The prostate may be a small gland, about the size of a walnut, but it has a big impact on the lives of many men. One man in six will get prostate cancer during his lifetime. The more you know about prostate cancer, the better able you will be to make an informed decision about testing and treatment options. See our complete guidelines about testing to find prostate cancer early, treating the disease if you’ve already been diagnosed, and getting support if you are living with prostate cancer. Check out the latest news about advances in prostate cancer research. Below are some additional topics of special interest.

The Pros and Cons of Prostate Cancer Screening

Finding and treating prostate cancer early may seem like a simple decision, but the issue is actually very complicated. The American Cancer Society recommends you give it serious thought before deciding to be tested. Learn about the factors that may affect your risk for prostate cancer, and get information about the pros and cons of early detection tests. This decision aid and informational brochure can help you consider all the angles while you decide if screening is right for you. Also, see what our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Otis Brawley, MD, has to say about it.

Making Decisions About Prostate Cancer Treatment

Men often have several treatment options for prostate cancer, and choosing one can be a daunting task. You’ll need to consider not only the specifics of your diagnosis and overall health, but also your own feelings about the potential side effects of treatment. Here you’ll find an in-depth discussion of the various treatment options for prostate cancer, as well as a printable list of questions to ask your doctor and a treatment decision tool.

A series of free workshops from CancerCare offers survivors and their loved ones practical information to help them cope with the concerns that can arise after treatment ends. The workshops are open to the public and are free, but you must register in advance. The September 16th workshop, Caring for Your Bones When You Have Prostate Cancer, is available via telephone conference or Internet streaming.

Finding Support When You Have Prostate Cancer

More than 2 million men in the US today count themselves as prostate cancer survivors. Connect with some of them through one of the American Cancer Society’s peer support networks.

• WhatNext is a Web site developed with the participation of the American Cancer Society to make it easier for those touched by cancer to get and give support, find resources, gain perspective, and focus their decision-making.

• Cancer Survivors Network is an online community that allows cancer survivors, families and friends to share their own personal views, feelings, and experiences.

• Man To Man is a face-to-face support group for prostate cancer survivors. Volunteers organize free monthly meetings where speakers and participants learn about and discuss information about prostate cancer, treatment and side effects.

Or read the inspiring stories of men like Herschel Chalk, a 14-year prostate cancer survivor who has spent the past 11 years as an American Cancer Society Man To Man volunteer talking to other men about prostate cancer.