How To Talk To Your Urologist About Prostate Cancer
- Understanding your prostate cancer diagnosis helps you make informed treatment choices and set realistic health expectations.
- Your doctor (usually a urologist or radiation oncologist) and care team guide you through the treatment process, offering expert advice and personalized care.
- Doctors assist in various areas, including explaining your diagnosis, presenting treatment options, managing side effects, and providing ongoing support.
- Preparing for appointments by gathering questions, medical records, and documenting symptoms ensures productive discussions with your oncologist.
You can take comfort in knowing that your doctor — a urologist will usually make the diagnosis — and the rest of your care team are on your side. They are your expert guides and your advocates for getting you the best care possible.
Read MoreHow does your doctor help you?
Becoming an active participant in your own care helps you chart the treatment path that is best for you in terms of your goal and outcomes. Your doctor – and the rest of your care team – are your greatest resource.- Explain your diagnosis: Your doctor will ensure that you understand the specifics of your cancer including location, stage, and grade.
- Informed choices: By explaining the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option, your doctor will help you make the right decisions.
- Personalized care: Your case is unique. Your doctor can help talk through not just the medical aspects, but also your personal and emotional needs.
- Support: Your doctor will provide clarity and support every step of the way.
What can your doctor help you with?
“The entire diagnostic pathway for prostate cancer is fraught with complex discussion, complex issues,” Dr. Wysock says. “…and say look I know this is a complex decision and what I want you to know is we have many options.”
Here are some key areas where a doctor can provide assistance:
- Initial diagnosis: Explaining the significance of your specific cancer and what it means for treatment and prognosis.
- Treatment planning: Presenting all of the available treatment options, including surgery, radiation, and any newer, less invasive procedures. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks of each.
- Side effects management: Providing strategies for managing potential side effects, such as urinary dysfunction and sexual health concerns, for better quality of life.
- Ongoing monitoring: After treatment, your doctor will continue to keep tabs on your health with regular check-ups and testing. If your cancer comes back, your doctor should be able to catch it early.
- Care coordination: Your doctor will make sure to bring in other medical specialists, such as radiation oncologists and medical oncologists, as needed to ensure you get the best care possible.
Emotional support: You need emotional and psychological support too. Your doctor is here for you. And they can recommend support groups and counseling services.
Related: Guide to Prostate Cancer: Overview
What sorts of decisions can your doctor help you with?
Your doctor can help with a variety of decisions to navigate the treatment process effectively.
- Treatment choice: This conversation will consider your age, health condition, and personal preferences to determine the most suitable option.
- Risks and benefits: This includes potential upsides as well as side effects and impacts on quality of life, such as urinary and sexual functions. This helps you understand what to expect and how it aligns with your life goals.
- Evaluating other options: If your cancer is localized, your doctor might discuss less invasive options like partial gland ablation that targets only the cancerous part of the prostate, potentially offering fewer side effects and quicker recovery.
- Post-treatment management: After treatment, the doctor will guide you through the recovery process, including managing side effects, follow-up care, and monitoring for any signs of recurrence.
- Long-term health: Your doctor will outline a long-term plan to monitor your health after treatment.
- Cancer recurrence: If your cancer comes back, your doctor will help you decide the best course of action to move forward.
Related: How to Choose A Prostate Cancer Surgeon
How can you get the most from your doctor?
Getting ready for your appointments is a key step in managing your prostate cancer journey.
- Gather questions: Compile a list of questions to ask including topics like treatment success rates, side effects, and lifestyle impacts.
- Organize medical records: Bring any relevant medical history, test results, and a list of current medications.
- Bring support: Think about bringing a trusted family member or friend for emotional support and to help you remember what you and your doctor discuss.
- Document symptoms: Keep a record of any symptoms or changes in your health which can help your doctor assess where you are.
This preparation empowers you to have productive and informative discussions with your doctor, ensuring you’re an active participant in your care.
“And so it really rounds out the fact that what I want them to walk away from is a good understanding of what the disease entails and then a good understanding of what the disease treatment options are and that we’re there for them on the way throughout the treatment pathway with options to improve their quality of life as we extend their length of life,” Dr. Wysock says.
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