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Living with Prostate Cancer PROSTATE CANCER MOVING BEYOND YOUR CONCERNS If you have prostate cancer, it's normal to wonder about your future. But did you know that many men have overcome this disease? Start by learning about your cancer. Talk with your healthcare team, and read this booklet. Then you'll be able to work with your doctors to choose the best treatment for you. Learning About Prostate Cancer Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. It begins in normal body tissue, and may spread beyond where it starts. When prostate cancer is discovered early, it can often be cured. If detected later, it may be controlled. Prostate Cancer Facts Prostate cancer may not cause symptoms at first. To find out if you have prostate cancer, your doctor must examine and test you. Urinary problems often aren't a sign of prostate cancer. Symptoms such as frequent or painful urination may result from conditions other than cancer. Prostate cancer affects different men in different ways. New treatments help many men to live longer and better lives. Other prostate problems aren't related to prostate cancer. Diseases such as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia, an enlarged prostate) or prostatitis (an infected prostate) don' t cause or prevent cancer. Treatment for prostate cancer may cause side effects. But these can often be controlled. Your Healthcare Team Your healthcare team includes doctors and other medical professionals who diagnose and treat prostate cancer. A urologist, a doctor who specializes in treating the urinary system and the male reproductive system. A radiation oncologist, a doctor who uses high-energy x-rays to treat cancer. A medical oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating cancer. A pathologist, a doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues. An anesthesiologist, a doctor who gives medications to prevent pain. Nurses and therapists, who help care for you and teach you how to care for yourself.

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