Prostate Assessment Pathway - Treatment Options
You have been referred to this online resource for help in making a decision about what treatment to follow for prostate cancer.
You are not alone in making this decision. Your doctor, specialist and prostate nurse navigator are all there to support you and your family. However, there are several different ways to treat prostate cancer, and each treatment has pros and cons. The best choice depends on what is most important to you personally.
This information is intended to be used during your discussions with health-care providers, and does not replace the advice provided by health professionals. It will help you understand prostate cancer and the available treatment options. It will also help you think about your own values and priorities, so you can make an informed choice that is right for you.
Related documents
Localized prostate cancer - making a treatment decision
This video contains information that can be used when making treatment decisions.
Treatment options
Making a decision about prostate cancer treatment can be confusing. The following information can help you learn more the risks and benefits associated with each treatment option. You and your doctor should also discuss treatments currently not available in Saskatchewan (low dose brachytherapy, cryoablation and high intensity ultrasound) to determine if one of these options is right for you.
Conservative management of prostate cancer
What is "Watchful Waiting?"
Surgical treatment option
What is a radical prostatectomy?
Radical retropubic prostatectomy - understanding the procedure
Watch this 24-minute video to learn more about about the procedure, how to prepare for surgery and what to expect after a prostatectomy.
Radical retropubic prostatectomy - understanding the risk
Watch this 16-minute video to learn more about the potential risks associated with this surgery.
Radiation therapy
What is radiation therapy?
External beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer
Watch this 24-minute video which explains the types of radiation therapy, risks and side effects of external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
Brachytherapy for prostate cancer
Watch this 24-minute video to better understand brachytherapy for prostate cancer. The video explains how the therapy works, how to prepare for the procedure, side effects and follow-up. "Low dose" brachytherapy is not available in Saskatchewan.
Treatment options outside of Saskatchewan
You and your doctor should also discuss treatments currently not available in Saskatchewan (low dose brachytherapy, cryoablation and high intensity ultrasound) to determine if one of these options is right for you.
Cryoablation for prostate cancer
Watch this 15-minute video for more information about cryoablation, how it works, how to prepare for the procedure, and what expect.
High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer
Watch this 19-minute video to learn more about high intensity ultrasound, how it works, how to prepare for the procdure, and what side-effects to expect.
Androgen deprivation therapy
Androgen is a male sex hormone. Learn more about hormone therapy medicines.
If you are considering androgen deprivation therapy, this program may be a valuable resource for you.
For more information about this option, view the video below.
The type of treatment you decide will be influenced by many factors.
Making a decision about treatment
The Prostate Assessment Pathway
Nurse Navigators in the Prostate Assessment Pathway can provide you with more information and help you work with your care providers to select a treatment option. If you do not already have an appointment with a Prostate Nurse Navigator, contact a Prostate Assessment Centre:
- St. Paul's Hospital, Saskatoon - (306) 655-5420
- Pasqua Hospital, Regina - (306) 766-6210
After treatment – how to cope
Coping with side-effects of cancer treatment can be stressful. The following are some recommendations and treatments that may be able to help you. You should discuss with your doctor what to expect after treatment.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) after prostate surgery
Urinary incontinence following prostate surgery
Your decision
Before you meet with your care provider to discuss treatment options, take a moment to think about what you have learned about the pros and cons of different treatments. Are there some factors that are more important to you than others?
Are you torn between the radiation and surgical treatment options? This fact sheet and quiz can help you better understand the risks associated with each and help you better understand your own feelings in the context of your life.
Additionally, here is a Personal Decision Form you can print and fill out to help you identify your personal priorities. Use your form during your discussion with a Prostate Nurse Navigator, by phone or in person. It will help you work with your care providers to select a treatment option. Your Nurse Navigator will arrange a consultation with a doctor or specialist about your preferred treatment.