Prostate Cancer Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to start prostate cancer treatment right away?
Not necessarily. Many men receive a diagnosis of slow-growing prostate cancer. For those whose cancer is not aggressive, considered low-risk, you may be able to wait before starting treatment. This is called active surveillance and involves closely monitoring your cancer through regular PSA tests, physical exams, and occasional imaging or biopsies. This approach allows you to avoid or delay the side effects of treatments like surgery or radiation, such as changes in urinary or sexual function, until it’s truly necessary.
If your periodic test results show that the cancer is growing and needs to be treated, our team of prostate cancer doctors will guide you through all available options to ensure you feel confident in your decisions moving forward.
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. What are my chances of survival?
Fortunately, the outlook for prostate cancer is generally very good, especially when it's detected early. Most prostate cancers are diagnosed while still confined to the prostate or nearby tissues, resulting in a nearly 100% five-year survival rate.
Even when prostate cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes, many men respond well to therapy and continue to live for many years after diagnosis. If the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the five-year survival rate is lower, but advances in hormone therapies, targeted treatments, and radiopharmaceuticals tested in clinical trials continue to improve outcomes.
It’s important to remember that survival rates are averages and do not predict exactly what will happen in your specific case. Factors such as your age, overall health, cancer stage and grade, and how well the cancer responds to treatment all play a role. Your Compass Oncology team will help you understand your specific diagnosis and what it means for you.
What is the Gleason scoring system for prostate cancer?
The Gleason score, which ranges on a scale of 2-10, describes how the prostate cells from your biopsy look under a microscope. Cells that resemble normal prostate tissue receive a lower Gleason score, while cells that appear very abnormal receive a higher score, indicating that prostate cancer treatment may need to begin. Anything under a 6 is considered non-cancerous. A Gleason Score between 6 and 10 helps determine how aggressive the cancer may be and guides when treatment should begin.
Is prostate removal surgery necessary?
Not always. While a urologist often performs the biopsy and may perform surgery, many men can be treated successfully without removing the prostate. Meeting with an oncologist who specializes in prostate cancer can help you explore non-surgical approaches.
Radiation therapy is often used, targeting and destroying cancer cells without removing the prostate. This can be done using external beam radiation therapy or internal radiation delivered directly to the prostate, called brachytherapy.
Other treatments such as hormone therapy, targeted therapy drugs, radiopharmaceuticals, or participation in clinical trials may also be recommended based on the stage or type of prostate cancer. These therapies can be used alone or in combination with surgery.
Your Compass Oncology team will review all your options, explain the benefits and risks of each, and help you choose the treatment that best meets your needs and goals.
Learn more in our blog: Alternatives to Prostate Removal Surgery for Cancer Patients
Why might I need additional treatment after a prostatectomy?
While surgery removes the prostate, small amounts of cancer cells may remain. If you are considered at high risk for recurrence, your prostate cancer specialist may recommend additional treatment to lower that risk.
The most common follow-up treatment after prostate surgery is external beam radiation therapy directed at the prostate bed (the area where the prostate used to be). The Compass Oncology radiation oncologists will take necessary precautions to protect nearby organs, including the bladder and rectum. Treatments are typically given five days a week over a few weeks.
Why are my PSA levels monitored after my prostate has been removed?
After a prostatectomy, your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level should drop to nearly zero since the prostate, which produces PSA, has been removed.
If your PSA level remains undetectable, it's a reassuring indication that no active prostate cells are left behind. However, if PSA levels start to rise, it can be an early sign that prostate cancer cells are still present or have returned.
Regularly monitoring PSA levels enables your care team to act quickly if necessary. Depending on your previous treatments and overall situation, radiation therapy or hormone therapy may be recommended if your PSA rises.
Should I consider enrolling in a clinical trial for prostate cancer?
Clinical trials provide patients access to promising new therapies that are not yet widely available. Many current studies focus on advanced treatment drugs, particularly those designed to target specific genetic changes.
Compass Oncology actively participates in clinical research, and your care team can help determine whether a clinical trial might be a good fit for your diagnosis and stage of cancer. Your oncologist will discuss the potential benefits, risks, and what to expect so you can make an informed decision.
Find out more about prostate cancer clinical trials through Compass Oncology
How experienced is the Compass Oncology team in treating prostate cancer?
The physicians at Compass Oncology have over 25 years of extensive experience in treating prostate cancer using the latest technologies and therapies. Your care may include radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and close coordination with your urologist to ensure you receive a comprehensive treatment plan.
Our specialists stay up-to-date with emerging research and technologies, offering personalized care designed to effectively treat cancer while addressing your individual needs and quality of life.
How much will prostate cancer treatment cost me out-of-pocket?
According to the Community Oncology Alliance, receiving care in a community oncology setting like Compass Oncology can cost up to 50% less than at a hospital-affiliated outpatient department, while still offering the same standard of care. Our patients have access to advanced treatments, technologies, and personalized care typically found in a hospital setting—often at a more affordable price and closer to home.
The costs associated with your cancer care vary based on your diagnosis, treatment plan, and insurance coverage. Our Patient Benefits Representatives will help you understand your benefits, explain expected out-of-pocket expenses, and discuss available assistance programs if needed.
