Diagnosing prostate cancer involves evaluating symptoms and conducting specific tests.
Once prostate cancer is found, doctors “stage” it to see how far it has spread:
- Localized – Cancer is only in the prostate
- Regional – Cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes
- Distant/Advanced – Cancer has spread to bones or other parts of the body
- Adenocarcinoma – The most common type, starting in the gland cells
- Small cell carcinoma and other rare types – These grow faster and are less common
- Gleason score: Grades how aggressive the cancer is based on biopsy results
- PSA level monitoring: Tracks cancer growth or response to treatment
- Bone scan or PET scan: May be used if cancer is advanced or symptoms are present.
Some prostate cancers may involve genetic changes that guide treatment:
- BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations
- HOXB13 gene changes
- MSI-H or mismatch repair gene changes
Your doctor may suggest biomarker testing to see if certain treatments like targeted therapy or immunotherapy could help.
Tools to help you feel activated and connect with resources to overcome barriers to accessing care.
Topics:
- Prostate Cancer Screening and Early Detection
- Prostate Cancer Treatment and Emerging Research
- Prostate Cancer Patient Support and Resources
Provides tools and actions for shared decision making and tips for navigating prostate cancer treatment decisions.
Topics:
- Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
- Understanding Prostate Cancer
- ENGAGE Prostate Cancer Resources
Will help you understand the importance of essential biomarker testing before key decisions are made in your care—including following a reoccurrence.
Topics:
- Understanding Prostate Cancer Testing
- Prostate Cancer Treatment Decisions
- INSIST! Prostate Cancer Resources
Provides actionable advice and downloadable materials to help you communicate clearly and effectively with your prostate cancer healthcare team.
Topics:
- Understanding Prostate Cancer
- Prostate Cancer Treatment Types & Treatment Decisions
- Managing Emotions and Accessing Prostate Cancer Support
- Advocating for the Best Prostate Cancer Care
- Planning Your Prostate Cancer Doctor’s Office Visit
Bridges the expert and patient voice, enabling patients to feel comfortable asking precise questions of their healthcare team
Topics:
- Participating in Your Prostate Cancer Care
Improves prostate cancer patients’ and caregivers’ familiarity with remote access to healthcare, and increases quality of care regardless of geographical location.
Topics:
- Prostate Cancer Treatment and Advances
- Remote Prostate Cancer Care
- Prostate Cancer Testing and Family Considerations
- Prostate Cancer Patient Support
