Get good advice before having prostate cancer surgery
All men with prostate cancer need to ensure that they have opinions for treatment from both a radiation oncologist as well as the surgeon who diagnoses the cancer. There is strong evidence now for radiation therapy being as effective as surgery in curing prostate cancer. Recent studies suggest that sexual and urinary side effects are better long term with radiation therapy compared to surgery. A referral to a radiation oncologist can be given by either the urologist or a General Practitioner. There is time to investigate the available information from experts before deciding on the treatment choice.
Prof. Ian R Gardener, the Principal Medical Advisor Department of Veterans’ Affairs, advises all men diagnosed with prostate cancer to obtain an independent second opinion from an appropriate specialist such as a radiation oncologist.