Prostate cancer
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Key points about treatments

Most prostate cancers are detected early and grow slowly, so you have a good chance of surviving your cancer, whether you have treatment or not. Even if your cancer has spread to tissue nearby, your chances of surviving are still good.

But the problem is that doctors still don't know enough about whether the treatments available for prostate cancer will help you live longer. And all the treatments for this cancer can have serious side effects.

What treatments you are offered will depend on:

  • The size of your prostate cancer and how slow- or fast-growing it is
  • Whether the cancer has spread to other areas and, if so, where it has spread
  • Your age and general health.

This information was last updated on Dec 08, 2009
BMJ Group
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2010. All rights reserved.
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