1. Build a Personal Medical File

  • Collect every copy of each medical procedure and test result, such as biopsy reports, blood tests, MRIs, bone scans, and more.
  • You have the right to obtain these copies, which will help you track your condition independently of any single doctor’s records.
  • BRING THIS FILE TO EVERY APPOINTMENT>

2. Seek a Second Opinion on Biopsy Results

  • Request that the biopsy slides or core samples be reviewed at another institution, not just by a different doctor at the same facility.

3. Include a Free PSA Test

  • When having your blood work done initially, ask specifically to include a Free PSA test.

4. Pretest Guidelines for Untreated Patients

  • Abstain from sexual activity for at least 72 hours before a PSA blood test to avoid skewed results.
  • Also, request a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test alongside each PSA test. A high CRP may indicate infection that can affect PSA levels. Interpreting the two tests together can help explain any fluctuations in your PSA.
  • Keep in mind that PSA is not a perfect indicator of prostate cancer growth. However, in the absence of better non-invasive alternatives, it remains a useful (though imperfect) tool.

5. Be Your Own Advocate

  • Educate yourself by joining prostate cancer support groups and speaking with survivors.
  • Avoid handing over all decision-making to the first doctor you meet; you are the one who will have to live with any potential side effects of a chosen treatment.

6. Beware of Simplistic “Cure” Claims

  • If a doctor easily claims they can cure your prostate cancer, proceed with caution.
  • Be aware that many institutions define “cure” as surviving at least one year post-procedure, even though manyprostate cancer patients can live longer than a year without any treatment—especially if the cancer is slow-growing.

7. Understand Recurrence Risks

  • After careful consideration and treatment, there is still a high possibility of recurrence, often many years down the line.
  • Only about 20% of patients avoid recurrence entirely; many simply pass away from other causes.

8. Aim for a Long-Term Stalemate

  • Since there is no 100% definitive cure, treatment often focuses on slowing down or containing the disease long enough to live a full life—ideally dying from something other than prostate cancer.

9. Recognize Current Technology Limits

  • We do not yet have machines capable of pinpointing microscopic prostate cancer cells.
  • A biopsy is considered definitive but remains both invasive and somewhat random, leaving the possibility of false negatives.

Three Additional Thoughts

  1. Make No Decisions Until You Feel Well-Informed

    • Take the time you need to fully understand your diagnosis and options.

  2. Ask Questions About Your Cancer

    • Don’t assume your doctor will tell you everything. You often need to ask for information—about side effects, recovery, and long-term outlook.
    • Remember that treatments can improve survival but may also cause incontinence, impotence, or bowel issues because of the prostate’s proximity to vital nerves and organs.
    • Understand the difference between seeking a cure versus undergoing treatment that may prolong life while managing side effects.

  3. Talk with Others at a Prostate Cancer Support Group

    • Hearing real stories can help put your worries into perspective.
    • Many men are surprised and uneasy when doctors offer multiple treatment options and leave the final decision to the patient. Ultimately, you must decide which path is right for you.