Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Although it is generally a slow-growing cancer, regular screenings provide an early prostate cancer diagnosis to improve outcomes and quality of life.

Prostate cancer screening

If you have prostate cancer symptoms such as difficulty urinating or frequent urination, your doctor may recommend a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. It’s a simple test that measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen circulating in your blood. PSA, a protein produced by the prostate, tends to be elevated in men with prostate cancer or other noncancerous prostate conditions.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

While a PSA test is an indicator that something may be wrong in the prostate, the only way to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis is by biopsy, which a doctor may recommend if the results from the PSA test come back abnormal. Biopsies can often be completed in the doctor’s office and are used to help determine the next best steps in diagnosis and prostate cancer treatment.

Transrectal biopsy

This procedure uses a thin needle inserted through the rectum to remove a small tissue sample from the prostate. A pathologist will look at the cells under a microscope and make a diagnosis.

Targeted fusion biopsy

Targeted fusion biopsy isan advanced imaging procedure used to diagnose prostate cancer. It combines high-quality MRIs and ultrasounds to provide physicians with a higher-quality prostate image to check for cancers.

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Prostate cancer care close to home

According to Christopher Powell, MD, a urologist with West Georgia Urology and a member of the patient care team at Tanner, prostate cancer rarely has symptoms until it reaches an advanced state. Men age 55 or older (or who have a family history of prostate cancer) should have a PSA test to determine their prostate cancer risk. The latest treatments and robotic surgery for prostate cancer are all available.

Treatments for prostate cancer

There are several different types of prostate cancer treatments available. You and your doctor can decide which treatment is right for you.

Radiation therapy

We offer sophisticated radiation therapy for prostate cancer that targets tumors while sparing nearby healthy tissue. In some cases, radiation therapy for prostate cancer provides cure rates comparable to radical prostatectomy. For example, your doctor may recommend external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for prostate cancer. EBRT uses precisely targeted high-energy radiation beams in small daily doses for five weeks. Learn more about options for radiation therapy for prostate cancer. We also offer measures like the SpaceOAR Hydrogel system that provides additional protection to healthy tissue during radiation therapy for prostate cancer, improving your comfort during treatment.

Surgery

If your cancer is confined to the prostate and has not spread, a surgeon may perform a radical prostatectomy. This surgical procedure removes your entire prostate and surrounding tissue. Robotic-assisted surgery allows patients to have smaller incisions, less blood loss, less pain and a quicker recovery. All cancer treatments have risks, and the risks of prostate cancer treatment may include impotence and incontinence. If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, talk with your doctor about the best prostate cancer treatment options for you.

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Find a prostate cancer specialist.
Learn about robotic-assisted surgery.
Learn more about targeted fusion biopsy.

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Refer a patient to a prostate cancer specialist.

Prostate Cancer Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 early signs of prostate cancer?
Early prostate cancer symptoms may include difficulty urinating, frequent urination, blood in urine, erectile dysfunction and discomfort in the pelvic area.

What are the common risk factors for prostate cancer?
Risk factors include age (55 or older), family history of prostate cancer, obesity, smoking and high-fat diet.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Prostate cancer diagnosis typically involves a PSA test followed by a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

What symptoms might indicate advanced prostate cancer?
Advanced prostate cancer symptoms can include bone pain, weight loss, fatigue and difficulty urinating.

What lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of prostate cancer?
Lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of prostate cancer include maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and avoiding smoking.