Most forms of prostate cancer are non-deadly, and don’t actually need treatment. But, if your doctor is older, regularly performs procedures like radiation therapy, or gets kickbacks for recommending treatments, he’s more likely to recommend aggressive treatment and all the side-effects (impotence, incontinence, etc.).
So it’s recommended that you get a second opinion. If it’s the fast-acting, deadly form of prostate cancer, it will for sure be recommended you get the necessary treatment, if it’s not, you might hear a wait and watch approach—monitor the growth and possible spread of the prostate cancer, and go from there. For the majority of men with prostate cancer, other health problems or old age will catch up with them before their cancer does.
There’s a risk to the wait and see—patients have to have some responsibility for their own health. Eating right, exercising, and other anti-cancer activities are important. Even more important is reporting and new symptoms to your doctor, and maintaining your plan for monitoring.
Another thought: one study has found that hormone therapy hasn’t been useful in treating prostate cancer, so you may want to avoid that route.
And of course, don’t forget about prevention and diagnosis. All forms of cancer are deterred by a healthy diet and exercise. Talk to your doctor about when to begin prostate exams—family history, personal health, and more will play a factor as to how early and how often you should be screened.
You can also support prostate health with a targeted multivitamin, like Prostate MGRx.
Do you usually get second opinions? What do you think?
