Putting It All Together

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to prostate cancer.

• Prostate cancer generally does not produce symptoms until it is well-advanced. For this reason, annual screenings are important for men beginning at age 50 (or age 40 for men at higher risk).

• Regular digital rectal examination and PSA tests can detect prostate cancer in its earliest and most successfully treated stages.

• Treatment options include "watchful waiting" for early-stage prostate cancer, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery to remove the prostate.

• Two complications of prostate cancer treatment are urinary incontinence and impotence, both of which may be helped through medication and other means.

• Prostate cancer detected early is quite curable.

• Prostate cancer is generally slow growing and may need minimal treatment in older men; however, it requires aggressive treatment in younger men.