These types of talks are called 'shared decision making.' Shared decision making is when you and your doctors work together to choose treatments that fit the goals of your care. In addition, it is important to discuss your doctor's experience with treating prostate cancer. Discuss with your doctor how the treatment options may affect recurrence, survival, and quality of life. Talk with your doctor about the goals of each treatment, the likelihood that the treatment will work, what you can expect while receiving the treatment, and the possible urinary, bowel, sexual, and hormone-related side effects of treatment. Take time to learn about your treatment options and be sure to ask questions if something is unclear. More information on the specific effects of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy on older patients can be found in this article in another section of this website. Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, possible side effects, and the patient’s preferences and overall health.Ĭancer treatment can affect older adults in different ways. Your care plan may also include treatment for symptoms and side effects, an important part of cancer care. Cancer care teams include a variety of other health care professionals, such as palliative care experts, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, oncology nurses, social workers, pharmacists, counselors, dietitians, physical therapists, and others.ĭescriptions of the common types of treatments used for prostate cancer are listed below. In cancer care, different types of doctors-including medical oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists-often work together to create an overall treatment plan that may combine different types of treatments to treat the cancer. Learn more about clinical trials in the About Clinical Trials and Latest Research sections of this guide. Your doctor can help you consider all your treatment options. Clinical trials are an option to consider for treatment and care for all stages of cancer. Clinical trials can test a new drug, a new combination of standard treatments, or new doses of standard drugs or other treatments. Doctors want to learn whether the new treatment is safe, effective, and possibly better than the standard treatment.

A clinical trial is a research study that tests a new approach to treatment. When making treatment plan decisions, you are encouraged to consider clinical trials as an option. “Standard of care” means the best treatments known. This section explains the types of treatments that are the standard of care for prostate cancer. ON THIS PAGE: You will learn about the different types of treatments doctors use for people with prostate cancer.

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