What is the Prognosis When Prostate Cancer is Diagnosed Early?
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No one wants to find out that a loved one – or they themselves – have cancer. When it comes to prostate cancer specifically, many cases are fortunately very treatable and do not significantly affect the patient’s life expectancy. There are some forms of prostate cancer, however, that are more aggressive than others. Without a doubt, the most important factor in successfully treating a man’s prostate cancer and rendering him free of the disease is early detection and diagnosis. At Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL, board-certified urologists Drs. Ahmad and Ali Kasraeian are committed to the prevention, early detection, and advanced treatment of prostate cancer using the most effective tools and technologies available today. In this blog, you’ll learn more about the prognosis for early-stage prostate cancer, what symptoms may mean you need a prostate cancer evaluation, and what treatment options you have should you be diagnosed early with this disease.
When should I be evaluated for prostate cancer?
Starting around age 40, men should begin having annual PSA blood tests to screen for prostate cancer. Patients with elevated risk factors – such as a family history of prostate cancer, being of a certain ethnicity, and exposure to chemicals like Agent Orange – may require earlier or more frequent prostate cancer evaluations, which should include PSA testing and a digital rectal exam (DRE).
Although early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms, men who are experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer should still discuss them with their provider, who may recommend a dedicated prostate cancer evaluation. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Pelvic pain
- Blood in the urine
- Weight loss
- Elevated PSA
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Based on the findings of a PSA test and DRE, your urologist may recommend a more in-depth diagnostic test, such as a biopsy. At Kasraeian Urology, Dr. Kasraeian performs the highly advanced MRI fusion biopsy, which utilizes a combination of MRI and ultrasound imaging to precisely identify the areas of concern from which core samples will be taken. This method allows for virtually unparalleled accuracy during the biopsy, resulting in a more accurate and definitive pathology result.
What are the chances of dying of early-stage prostate cancer?
When prostate cancer is detected in its earliest stages, the prognosis can be excellent. In fact, there is a less than 2% chance that a man will die of early-stage prostate cancer within five years. In fact, the 15-year survival rate for men with prostate cancer is still as high as 95%.
What treatment options do I have for prostate cancer?
Depending on the stage of your disease, your age, your overall health, and a number of other factors, Dr. Kasraeian may recommend one of the following prostate cancer treatment options:
- Active surveillance
- High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU therapy)
- TULSA-PRO
- Radiation
- Surgical removal of the prostate (prostatectomy)
With early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, prostate cancer patients have a fantastic prognosis and can continue to lead a long and fulfilling life.
Take charge of your health and your future with a prostate cancer screening in Jacksonville, FL
Prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancer diagnoses a man can receive, though many men do not begin prostate cancer screenings as early as they should. If you are over 40, have a strong family history of prostate cancer, or are at an elevated risk for prostate cancer, call Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL to schedule your private consultation with board-certified urologists Dr. Ali Kasraeian and Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian today.