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Helping Yourself
Prostate Cancer

How is it treated?

The rate of survival for men with prostate cancer is increasing. Approximately 97% of men diagnosed with this disease survive at least 5 years, 79% survive at least 10 years, and 57% survive at least 15 years. This is because several effective treatment options are now available. It is important to understand the available options and work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Two factors should be considered in deciding on a particular treatment for prostate cancer:

  • Stage of the disease: If the prostate cancer is in Stage A or Stage B, careful observation, surgery, or radiation are all options for treatment. If the cancer has spread to areas other than the prostate (Stage C or Stage D), hormonal therapy may be needed to improve symptoms and delay further progression.

  • Age and general health: Men in their fifties or sixties may be more interested in treatment that offers the best chance for a cure, such as radiation therapy or surgery. Older men in their seventies or eighties may prefer less invasive treatment only to reduce symptoms, such as hormonal therapy or careful observation.

    The following are the accepted treatments for prostate cancer:

    Drug classes used to treat Prostate Cancer

    Antiandrogens

    Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogs (GnRHa)

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Last Updated: December 2007
This content was created by members of the DrugDigest team of experts and is solely under DrugDigest's editorial control.


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.

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