What is the first treatment for prostate cancer?

A prostate cancer diagnosis does not lead to one identical treatment plan. The team combines biopsy grade, PSA results, scans, the tumour’s position and whether it has spread with your age, other health conditions, urinary function and treatment preferences.

For cancer confined to the prostate, surgery to remove the prostate or radiotherapy may be considered. Some people with lower-risk disease are offered active monitoring, which uses planned PSA checks, examinations, scans or repeat biopsy rather than immediate treatment. Androgen deprivation therapy lowers the effect of testosterone on prostate cancer cells and may be used with radiotherapy or for cancer that has spread. Chemotherapy and bone-strengthening therapy have roles in selected situations.

Ask for the stage and grade in plain language and ask whether the goal is monitoring, cure, long-term control or symptom relief. Compare the effects of prostate removal surgery, radiotherapy, brachytherapy and androgen deprivation therapy on erections, urinary control, bowel function, energy and bone health.

Bring your medication list and tell the team about urinary symptoms, sexual concerns, heart conditions and previous operations. If surgery is advised, ask whether robotic cancer surgery is suitable and what recovery support is available.

Contact your care team for inability to pass urine, blood in the urine that continues or worsens, fever after a procedure, new severe back or hip pain, leg weakness, numbness or loss of bowel or bladder control. Sudden leg weakness, severe pain or inability to urinate needs urgent assessment because pressure on nerves or urinary blockage can cause lasting harm.

What are my stage and grade? Is active monitoring safe for me? Which option best fits my priorities? What urinary, bowel, sexual and bone effects should I expect? Will hormone treatment be needed with radiotherapy or surgery?