Newly diagnosed.
Here is a general overview of what you can expect if your PSA and DRE tests raise red flags about prostate cancer.
- If your doctor suspects a problem, you'll have another PSA test to verify the results of the first blood test and referred to an urologist.
- The urologist will do another DRE (to confirm your doctor’s findings) and examines the PSA results.
- If the urologist suspects you have cancer, he/she will arrange for a Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy or he/she will perform a Transrectal resection of the prostate (TURP). TRUS is usually not available in small community hospitals that can’t afford the equipment and don’t have enough trained staff to perform the procedure.
- The urologist will tell you the results of your biopsy and if possible your Gleason score (which measures the aggressiveness of the cancer)
- The urologist will discuss all the available treatment options with you.
- You may then request a referral to the nearest cancer centre for expert multi-disciplinary cancer advice. If this is possible for you, it is the best step you can take at this point.
- You will be treated for the disease after analyzing and discussing all the available treatment options and risk factors.
- After treatment, you will be monitored with a PSA test every few months. Eventually, you will only need to take the PSA test once a year.
Before starting a series of diagnostic tests or treatments, there are many things to consider. Prostate cancer is generally slow growing so it is sometimes a good idea to put off tests and treatments until you can discuss the risks and benefits of all options with your doctor and family.
As a part of your decision making process, drop into The Prostate Centre to speak to one of our volunteer retired medical professionals. Our job here at the Centre is to provide the newly diagnosed man and his family with as much unbiased medical information needed to make the best treatment decision for himself.
Source: Adapted from the Prostate Cancer Canada
