CHOOSING A TREATMENT

The Golden Rule. The Golden Rule of prostate cancer is simple: THERE ARE NO RULES. This lack of rules creates uncertainty. Uncertainty is difficult to deal with but is unavoidable.

Every Choice Has Consequences. No matter which choice is made, there are consequences. Some are good, some less so. Much depends on the specific circumstances and few are accurately predictable.

No Good Data. There is a lack of really good information about the outcomes and consequences of the treatment options. No one can guarantee that what worked for one man will necessarily work for others. This makes it very difficult to choose which path to follow.

Status Before Strategy. It is best to gather all possible information about a diagnosis and all options available before making a choice. There are many options; all should be considered.

Choose The Best Team: It may seem blindingly obvious, but the skill and track record of the people chosen to advise, monitor and carry out a procedure are the best predictors of a good result. There is an understandable bias in the recommendation for treatment which must be recognized. For the same diagnosis, surgeons will tend to recommend surgery; radiologists will tend to recommend radiation.