Step 3 - Discussing Your Choices

Step 3: Making Treatment Choices

A prostate cancer diagnosis comes with an important question: what treatment is right for you? The answer is different for everyone. Your care team will make recommendations based on your cancer’s risk category, but your personal preferences and quality of life matter just as much.

Is There One Treatment That Is Better Than Another?

Not necessarily. Research shows that surgery and radiation are comparably effective at treating prostate cancer. Because of this, many patients base their decision on factors beyond the medical results alone. We encourage you to share your concerns and priorities openly — the more we know about what matters to you, the better we can help.

What Factors Might Influence My Decision?

• Personal preference. Some people feel strongly drawn to surgery. Others prefer radiation. Many are undecided at first — and that is completely normal. Take the time you need.
• Input from loved ones. Family members and trusted friends can offer valuable perspective. Keep in mind that every situation is different — someone else’s experience may not reflect what yours will be.
• Quality of life. Each treatment has its own potential side effects. Surgery can cause urinary leakage (also called incontinence). Radiation may cause urinary irritation or the need to urinate more often. Both treatments can cause erectile dysfunction (ED) — difficulty getting or keeping an erection — though rehabilitation is available to help. Most men return to living full, normal lives after treatment. For more, see Navigating Intimacy After Prostate Cancer and Support for Partners: Navigating Change
• Practical logistics. Day-to-day considerations matter too. Surgery is a single procedure done under general anesthesia (medication that puts you to sleep), with a brief hospital stay and recovery time afterward. Radiation therapy, is given in daily outpatient visits, typically over two to four weeks. Distance from home, transportation, and your work or family schedule may all play a role in your decision.

Will My Care Team Give Me a Single Recommendation?

Not always — and that is okay. Some patients have one clear best option. Others have two or more treatments that are equally good choices. Either way, we will make sure you feel fully informed before you make any decisions. You will never feel rushed or on your own.

For more on how people navigate treatment decisions after a prostate cancer diagnosis, see this article.

Once you’ve made your decision, the next step is treatment planning. We are honored by the trust you and your loved ones place in us, and we are here for you every step of the way.