Gathering information is an important first step

Even though it may feel overwhelming, the more information you gather to learn about prostate cancer, the more you and your loved one can make informed decisions about prostate cancer treatment options.

What makes prostate cancer different from other types of cancer is that there are many different treatment options. You can surgically remove the cancer, radiate it from outside or within the body, freeze it, slow or shrink it with certain drugs, or just watch it and wait.

Perhaps the one constant is that every man is different. There are many factors that will help you and your loved one’s doctor determine his course of treatment, including the stage of his cancer and his Gleason score. This is explained in simple terms in the section of this web site titled prostate cancer 101.

Try to read everything about prostate cancer that you can get your hands on before you and your loved one consult with doctors. This will give you a basic understanding so you can have a meaningful discussion with the doctor. Realize that the doctor is going to tell you a lot of things that may be overwhelming (which is why you may want to take notes or tape record each visit).

If you take the time to do some reading in advance, in a more relaxed setting, you may be able to better understand and retain what you read. Your local library or bookstore is a great place to get books about prostate cancer, but check the copyright date (usually in the first few pages) to be sure the book is recent.

The Internet is a virtual library at your fingertips, but be careful about where you search. Learn more by reading searching for information.

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