Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Prostate removal - is it worth it?

H Paul Models
  • 1 reply
  • 35 subscribers
  • 139 views

I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer back in January. I have opted for Prostate removal and this is due on the 9th of April. 

The two guys I have been speaking with, who have had this procedure done already, now tell me the cancer has returned to their bladders

So, I need to know is the procedure worth it in the long run (when considering incontinence, erectile disfunction etc.) or is it best to take the time I have left and do nothing about the cancer in the first place?

I am 52 years old and still sexually active. The thought of losing my erections and gaining incontinence for no end result, for the cancer to return, frightens me

I need advice, feedback, perhaps another opinion outside of my "biased" friends and family please

  • Dear H Paul Models

    My name is Rae and I am a Cancer Information Nurse Specialist here at Macmillan Cancer Support.

    Making decisions about treatment can be very challenging.  We do often encourage people to talk to others who have been in a similar position.  It can have a positive effect and help, but, on occasions, it can also have the opposite effect.   One thing to remember when you are talking to other gentlemen is that everyone is different, they may well be a different age to you, a different stage or grade of cancer, and have other health issues or not be as fit as you are.

    Doctors only usually offer a choice of treatments if they work equally well.  It is difficult for us to help you make the decision as we do not have access to your medical record or your hospital team, so we do not know what options you were given or how your cancer is likely to act in the future.  The best people to support you in your decision are your hospital team.  We encourage you to talk to them again about your options.

    Prostate cancer treatment options depend on several things, listed here.  A UK trial summarised here has shown there can be very little difference in survival between treatments, especially if you are diagnosed with an early prostate cancer.  It also shows the difference in symptoms such as difficulty controlling bladder, bowels and difficulty getting an erection.

    There is also a tool called Predict Prostate, this should be used in conjunction with your prostate team.  It cannot tell you what will happen in the future, but it can give insight into differences in survival between different treatment options.

    Our nurses are on the Support Line 7 days a week 8-8, and you can telephone to discuss the above information with them.  Prostate Cancer UK also have specialist nurses to talk to, they are available from Tuesday 2nd April.

    Best wishes

    Rae, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

     

    Ref/RH/KHe

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2024 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ. VAT no: 668265007