How to Treat Prostate Cancer

As the number of prostate cancer victims continues to soar, doctors are diligently conducting research on how to treat prostate cancer. Doctors do not know exactly what causes prostate cancer, which often has no early symptoms. This makes finding effective treatments and a cure even more challenging.

1. Radiation therapy. Radiation is one of the most common treatments for prostate cancer. Radiation therapy uses high powered energy to kill cancer cells. Radiation may have strong side effects, which leave patients extremely weak.
2. Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is also a top choice of doctors for treating prostate cancer. Chemotherapy is frightening for many patients because in addition to killing cancer cells, it also destroys healthy cells. Side effects usually include hair loss and vomiting.
3. Hormone therapy. Hormone therapy is used to stop the body from producing testosterone, which helps prostate cancer cells grow. Treating prostate cancer using hormone therapy may cause the cancer cells to die or grow more slowly. This treatment is sometimes used in conjunction with radiation therapy or surgery.
4. Surgery. Using surgery to treat prostate cancer is one of the most radical treatment methods. Removing the testicles lowers testosterone levels more quickly than hormone therapy. Doctors may also opt for removing the prostate depending on the nature of the cancer and how quickly the cells are growing. This could result in erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence.

As advances in medicine continue, new methods for treating prostate cancer are being developed. Natural treatments are also being researched. Discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

Resources:

Prostate Cancer Foundation

American Cancer Society