What is prostate cancer and what makes it classified as ‘advanced?

 

Prostate cancer is a disease that causes abnormal cells to develop in the prostate gland. In the early stages there may be very few symptoms if the cancer is contained within the prostate. As a result, many men may have had prostate cancer for quite some time before it is detected and diagnosed.

The term ‘advanced prostate cancer’ means that the cancer cells have spread beyond the prostate to other areas of your body. It’s important to remember that while this is a serious condition, there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease and also reduce the symptoms.

 

Treatments

Choosing a treatment plan is one of the most important decisions you will need to make. There are many factors to consider and this is not something that you should rush into. Your doctor will discuss things like your age and general health, how large and aggressive your tumour is and how far it has spread to other parts of the body. The main types of treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. Sometimes these approaches may be combined in an effort to achieve the best outcomes. Each man is different, so it’s important that your treatment is designed for your specific situation, including your possible reaction to some of the known side effects.

 

Side Effects

Most treatments for advanced prostate cancer will usually result in side effects. These can range from mild to severe, and they will depend on a number of factors, ranging from the treatment itself, through to aspects like your general health and other treatments you may be receiving. Understanding the possible effects forms part of your treatment decision, and you’ll need to weigh these up against the potential benefits, the probable risks and your other options. Some side effects of treatments can be short term, and will reduce over time, while others may last for a number of years or even a lifetime. This makes it important that you speak with your doctors and healthcare providers so that you can make an informed decision.

 

For a guide on living with advanced prostate cancer, how to choose which treatments, what the possible side effects are, emotional support and more, please download this excellent free guide from Cancer Council NSW below.

 

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE GUIDE
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Tasman Health Care is an Oncology clinic and research-focused group based on Queensland’s Gold Coast. We have an onsite Day Infusion Unit and specialise in Cancer care and treatment. We also provide a large percentage of our patients, insured or uninsured, the opportunity to access new pharmaceuticals only available through a trial opportunity.

To make an appointment with one of our Doctors, Genetic Counsellors or team of Allied Health Specialists please contact us (07) 5613 2480 or reception@tasmanhealthcare.com.au.