Prostate Cancer Prognosis

The outlook for any man diagnosed with prostate cancer isn't always clear. The initial choice to have the cancer treated or the prostate removed is difficult in itself. Then there come the inevitable questions of relapse and quality of life afterwards. Fortunately, the majority of those treated for prostate cancer can look forward to a life without complications.

Current research has discovered several factors that can be used to provide an accurate prognosis. Among these is an observation of the prostate-specific antigen or PSA. According to studies, if the amount of PSA in the blood rises slowly over time, then the likelihood of the cancer spreading beyond the prostate is fairly limited. Concurrently, if the initial increase in PSA within the blood occurs quickly, then the possibility of spread is quite likely and your quality of life may very well not remain positive over time. Keep in mind, this indicator is for a prognosis prior to the treatment, or removal, of the prostate.

More specifically, for those men whose PSA rises quickly, it is often suggested that more aggressive treatments be sought, including removal of the prostate. On the other hand, those whose PSA levels rise slowly over a period of five years may decline further treatment beyond initial medications. However, the level of PSA isn't the only prognosis indicator. The size of the actual cancer area, the weight of the prostate, whether or not lymph nodes and blood vessels have been affected by the cancer, and the amount it has spread beyond the prostate all indicate the quality of life to be expected after treatment.

Still, there is more good news for men treated for prostate cancer. Some 82 percent of men treated for prostate cancer remained cancer-free 15 years later. Only approximately 34 percent of men treated for prostate cancer experienced a spread of the cancer outside of the prostate. Generally speaking, men who will be treated for prostate cancer can expect a quality of life similar, or equal to, that which was experienced prior to treatment.