Understanding Prostate Cancer Treatment

The most common cancer in men in the United States is prostate cancer. It impacts one in eight men, and your risk increases as you age.

In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates nearly 314,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. That includes roughly 6,200 men in Indiana and 12,350 in Illinois. If you're one of them, the diagnosis and treatment options can be confusing.

Fortunately, prostate cancer survival rates are high — especially when doctors catch it early. Routine prostate cancer screening can detect disease when it's most treatable. In fact, when doctors identify prostate cancer before it spreads, the survival rate is nearly 100 percent after five years.

Here, James Siegert, DO, chairman of the Department of Surgery and board-certified surgeon at Franciscan Health Urology Olympia Fields, explains the importance of screening and the wide variety of prostate cancer treatment options available.

Key Takeaways: Prostate Cancer Screening And Treatment

• Men should begin prostate cancer screening at age 50.
• Prostate cancer screening can detect early-stage disease when it's most treatable.
• Patients can choose from multiple treatment options based on their prostate cancer screening results.

What Is Prostate Cancer Screening? How Does It Help Diagnose Your Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, men with average risk should begin cancer screening at age 50. Men with a higher risk of prostate cancer should begin screening at age 40. These groups include Black men and men with a close family history of disease.

In many cases, early-stage prostate cancer produces few symptoms. So, screening is important to identify the disease when it's most treatable. A prostate screening exam includes a physical test and a blood test.

"The digital rectal exam is the first part of the screening," Dr. Siegert said. "We use our finger to assess how big and firm the prostate gland is. Firmness can indicate cancer," he said. "A healthy prostate typically feels like the tip of your nose. If it feels firm, like your cheekbone, that's concerning."

The second part of screening is a blood test to check your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. A PSA level above 4 can point to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

A prostate MRI scan can be an effective monitoring tool for men who have a family history of prostate cancer or a rising PSA level after a negative biopsy. Dr. Siegert said providers at Franciscan Health use prostate MRI to keep track of a patient's cancer and make treatment decisions.

What Happens Next After A Cancer Diagnosis?

If you receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, cancer staging is the next step. Cancer stages range from Stage I (small cancer that is still in the prostate) to Stage IV (cancer has spread to other parts of the body).

It's important to know how advanced your cancer is. Staging it helps your doctor choose the best treatment for you.

"Prostate cancer behaves very differently from one person to another. That's why it's important to have a tailored approach to treatment," Dr. Siegert said. "For some, this might mean surgery or radiation. For others, active surveillance is the best option."

What Treatments Are Available For Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer treatment is unique to you. This personalized approach to care means doctors choose the best treatment option based on your specific health needs.

A watchful waiting strategy — also called active surveillance — is a common choice for men who have low-to-medium risk of developing prostate cancer.

"We can follow the majority of men with low-risk prostate cancer with active surveillance. About half of these patients don't need treatment at all," said Sandeep Bhave, MD, an independent radiation oncologist who practices at Franciscan Health Indianapolis.

With this approach, doctors closely monitor your prostate or PSA level for any signs of growing disease. A 10-year study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found active surveillance is a safe, effective option. It helps you avoid urinary and sexual side effects linked with surgery and radiation.

Based on the stage of your cancer, your doctor may recommend other treatments, including:

• Chemotherapy: Medication that stops the growth of tumors and cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy: Medication that reduces or blocks testosterone or other hormones that can trigger cancer cell growth.
• Immunotherapy: A treatment that strengthens the ability of the body's natural immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
• Radiation: A therapy that uses high-energy rays to precisely target and destroy cancer cells in and around the prostate.
• Surgery: Removal of the prostate. We recommend this procedure for healthy men who have cancer that hasn't spread outside the prostate.
• Targeted therapy: Medication that only targets and attacks cancer cells. It does not harm healthy cells.

How Can Prostate Cancer Treatment Impact Your Quality Of Life?

Prostate cancer treatment may cause side effects that impact your daily activities and quality of life. Talk with your doctor about the possible changes. Understanding how they may affect you can help you choose the therapy that supports your wishes and goals.

The two most common prostate cancer side effects are urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. You may also experience:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Increased risk of infection
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain

Cancer and cancer treatment don't just affect your body. They also impact your emotional and mental well-being. As a result, you may struggle with these psychological side effects during treatment:

• Anxiety
• Changes to body image and self-esteem
• Depression
• Fear of cancer coming back

What Role Do Support Networks Play In Your Treatment?

Prostate cancer treatment can be complex and time-consuming. No one should go through the journey alone, Dr. Siegert said.

"It's important to stay close to your support networks, including your family, friends and healthcare professionals," he said. "With their help, you can better navigate the challenges that come with treatment."

Lean on trusted individuals for the physical and emotional support you need. Loved ones can help you cope with the day-to-day realities of living with cancer and make informed decisions about your treatment options. During your treatment, your healthcare provider will monitor your progress, offer expert guidance and make necessary changes to your care plan. They can also connect you with additional resources if you need them.

Overall, Dr. Siegert said, this holistic approach to care is your safety net on your prostate cancer journey.