Prostate Cancer Awareness Series – By Wellnect India
Introduction: A Diagnosis Is Not the End — It’s the Beginning of the Fight
Hearing the words “You have prostate cancer” can feel like a punch to the chest.
But here’s the truth — millions of men around the world are diagnosed, treated, and go on to live healthy lives.
Thanks to early detection, modern therapies, and personalized treatment planning, prostate cancer is now one of the most treatable cancers in men.
In this episode, we explain all the major treatment options available today, from active surveillance to surgery, radiation, and modern laser therapies.
Not All Prostate Cancers Need Immediate Treatment
Before jumping into treatment, doctors first evaluate how aggressive the cancer is:
➤ Low-risk (slow-growing, confined to prostate)
Doctors may suggest “active surveillance” — regular monitoring without immediate treatment.
➤ Intermediate or High-risk (may spread if left untreated)
Requires definitive treatment — like surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy.
The choice depends on:
- PSA level
- Gleason score
- Cancer stage
- Age and health of the patient
- Personal preferences
Option 1: Active Surveillance
Ideal for:
- Older men with low-risk cancer
- Cancer that’s not likely to spread
What it involves:
- Regular PSA tests
- Digital rectal exams (DRE)
- Repeat biopsies or imaging
Goal: Avoid unnecessary treatment if cancer isn’t growing.
Pros: No side effects, preserves quality of life
Cons: Requires regular follow-up, some anxiety about “not treating”
Option 2: Surgery – Radical Prostatectomy
This involves removing the entire prostate gland (and sometimes nearby lymph nodes).
Types of surgery:
- Open surgery
- Laparoscopic
- Robotic-assisted surgery (da Vinci system)
✅ Pros:
- Curative for localized cancers
- PSA drops to zero post-surgery
❌ Risks:
- Urinary incontinence (temporary or long-term)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Longer recovery
Robotic surgery offers faster recovery, better precision, and smaller scars.
Option 3: Radiation Therapy
High-energy beams target and destroy cancer cells.
Types:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
- Brachytherapy (radioactive seeds placed inside the prostate)
✅ Pros:
- Non-invasive
- Good for early or intermediate cancers
❌ Cons:
- May take weeks of sessions
- Fatigue, bowel/bladder irritation
- Some risk of erectile dysfunction
Often used along with hormone therapy in high-risk patients.
Option 4: Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation)
Prostate cancer feeds on male hormones like testosterone.
Hormone therapy:
- Stops the production or blocks the effect of testosterone
- Slows down or shrinks cancer
✅ Used when:
- Cancer has spread
- Combined with radiation
- For recurrence after treatment
❌ Side effects:
- Hot flashes
- Low libido
- Fatigue
- Bone thinning
Option 5: Newer Technologies – Laser, TULSA, HIFU
Minimally invasive treatments are emerging — especially for localized, low/intermediate-risk cancers.
Some include:
- TULSA-Pro (Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation)
- HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
- Laser vaporization
Advantages:
- Less damage to surrounding tissue
- Fewer sexual/urinary side effects
- Shorter hospital stay
Limitations:
- Still evolving
- Not widely available in all regions
What’s the Right Choice?
There is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment.
Your doctor will consider:
- Cancer grade and stage
- Your health, age, and lifestyle
- Potential side effects
- Your personal preferences and family goals
A good treatment plan balances survival, side effects, and quality of life.
Wellnect’s Message: You Have More Power Than You Think
At Wellnect, we’re here to equip you with knowledge, connect you with modern diagnostics, and support doctors in offering personalized treatment solutions.
Whether it’s surgical tools, laser systems, or precision imaging like ExactVu Micro-Ultrasound,
our goal is simple — early detection, timely action, and maximum recovery.
🔜 Coming Up Next
In Episode 8, we’ll talk about life after treatment:
👉 What is recovery like?
👉 Can you return to normal life?
👉 What precautions should patients and families take?
We’ll also address mental health, sexual health, and lifestyle tips.
Stay with us — because awareness doesn’t stop at diagnosis.