Treatment options for localised prostate cancer

A diagnosis of prostate cancer is a shock for both the patient and his family. Not only do those affected have to come to terms with a diagnosis of cancer but soon after receiving this life-changing information patients are presented with an array of treatment options to select from.Patients can be influenced in their decision-making by thoughts of imminent death rather than considering the efficacy and side effect profiles of available treatments. In addition, the information provided to the patient may only reflect the treatments a particular surgeon has skill and expertise in, rather than the full range of options.

It is of upmost importance to ensure that patient priorities are effectively matched with specific treatments, all of which have different efficacies, treatment durations and side effect profiles. This will clearly have a profound effect on how patients perceive their choice of treatment.