If you’re diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Over 10% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, making this one of the most common cancers in men. We’re here to help you get answers, understand your options and guide you through every step of your prostate cancer treatment.
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We first try to understand what’s causing symptoms, such as a higher-than-normal level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA levels can be elevated for many reasons other than cancer, so additional tests help us find the cause.
We usually start with a prostate MRI. This is a noninvasive scan that takes detailed pictures of your prostate. During the test, you lie on a table that slides into a scanner. The images help your doctor look for signs of cancer or other conditions that could raise PSA levels. If cancer is found, the MRI can also show how far it has spread.
If you can’t have an MRI, or if more information is needed, we may perform a biopsy. This involves taking small samples of prostate tissue to check for cancer cells. Sometimes a biopsy is done after an MRI, using the images to guide the doctor to areas that look most concerning.
If prostate cancer is diagnosed, your care team will take the next step to understand how advanced it is and whether it has spread beyond the prostate. This process is called staging, which helps determine how serious the cancer is and how best to treat it.
Each person’s response to cancer treatment is unique, so we create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs. Our urologists, oncologists and other specialists work as a team to provide comprehensive care for even the most complex types of prostate cancer.
Because prostate cancer may grow very slowly, you may not need treatment right away. Instead, we might recommend active surveillance. This means that we will monitor the cancer with regular tests. This approach helps you avoid unnecessary treatment while ensuring we act quickly if the disease begins to change. Active surveillance may be an option for prostate cancer that isn’t causing symptoms or if you have a serious health problem that would make cancer treatment more difficult.
In some cases, surgery to remove the prostate (called a radical prostatectomy) can be an effective treatment option. Your care team will work closely with you to determine whether surgery is the right approach, selecting the least invasive technique possible to support a faster recovery. They will also answer your questions and help you prepare every step of the way.
"They provided amazing care, made me feel comfortable, understood what I was going through, and explained things so that I could understand.”
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth in affected areas of the body. Radiation therapy may be delivered from outside the body or internally (brachytherapy).
This procedure uses extremely cold temperatures to freeze and destroy cancer cells. Imaging guidance helps precisely target the treatment area while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
The HIFU procedure uses focused ultrasound waves to heat and destroy cancer cells without surgery or radiation, helping preserve nearby healthy tissue.
Systemic therapies treat cancer cells throughout the body and are often used when prostate cancer has spread or is more advanced. These treatments include hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy), chemotherapy and, in some cases, immunotherapy. Your care team may recommend one or more of these therapies on their own or in combination with other treatments.
Integrative therapies are supporting treatments some people choose to have in addition to cancer treatments. They’re used to reduce the side effects of cancer treatments and improve your overall emotional and spiritual well-being. Common types of integrative therapies include massage, healing touch, reflexology, music therapy and acupuncture.
At HealthPartners and Park Nicollet, we know that effectively treating cancer goes beyond just the physical symptoms. We make sure you get the expert care you need for your physical, mental and emotional health, using the latest in evidenced-based medicine, surgical techniques, advanced treatment options, cancer research and integrative therapies.
Plus, with modern cancer centers in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, convenient, comfortable care is always close to home, work or school.
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During your cancer treatment, we help make sure that you and your family feel as comfortable and supported as possible. To do this, we offer a wide range of services as part of personalized treatment plans, including:
- Palliative care – Palliative care helps improve the quality of life for people with advanced stages of cancer. Our palliative care team will help you understand your treatments, do daily activities and coordinate communication with your doctor, as well as perform other services to help support you and your family.
- Nutrition services – Our registered nutritionists can provide nutrition counseling to help with managing weight changes, dealing with side effects of treatment and navigating nutrition recommendations.
- Genetic counseling – A genetic counselor can meet with you to go over your personal or family history of cancer and help you understand your hereditary risks. If you have questions about genetic counseling or want to know if genetic counseling is right for you, please ask your care team.
- Cancer rehabilitation – Cancer rehabilitation is a type of treatment that helps you improve your function and ability to do daily activities. We’ll recommend the best treatments for you, which may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and others.
- Specialty pharmacy – We provide a specialty pharmacy that’s staffed by pharmacists who are experts in cancer medications. Because our pharmacy and our cancer treatment centers are fully integrated, our pharmacists are able to work closely with your care team. This helps to make sure you get the special medications you need to treat and manage cancer. Our team will help you understand the cost of your medication and help you with your insurance. The Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) has recognized us as a specialty pharmacy with a Distinction in Oncology.
- Home care – Home care is when doctor-led care is provided in the comfort of your home. The goal is to manage your condition, keep you comfortable and ensure you can safely live in your home. Our team of doctors, nurses and aides will work with you to develop a care plan that meets your needs. If you think home care is the best option for you or your family member, please talk to a member of your care team. We’ll answer your questions and guide you to helpful resources.
- Hospice – Hospice is a type of individualized care provided to patients. The goal of hospice care is to relieve pain and help a patient’s final days be as comfortable and meaningful as possible. Hospice care doesn’t happen in a specific place. Instead, we can provide hospice care wherever you and your family feel most comfortable, including at home, or in an assisted living facility, hospital or residential hospice facility. We’ll work with you to develop a care plan that helps with your medical needs, along with the emotional and spiritual needs of you and your family.
It’s possible for anyone who has a prostate to develop prostate cancer, but there are some factors that put you at higher risk.
- Age – Your chance of getting prostate cancer increases as you pass 50 years old. More than half of prostate cancer is found in men over 65 years old.
- Family history – Having a family history of prostate cancer might increase your risk.
- Race – Men who are African American are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer starts in a man’s prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut that’s located between the bladder and the penis. It’s part of the male reproductive system and produces fluid that protects the sperm.
Prostate cancer grows slowly, and it can stay in the prostate gland for many years without spreading. If it spreads, it first affects nearby areas, including the urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body), bladder, rectum or lymph nodes in the pelvic region. In advanced stages, prostate cancer can spread to your bones, liver or lungs.
Many of our patients are able to participate in clinical trials if they meet the requirements. Take a look at our current clinical trials and learn more about our ongoing cancer research.
Many different board-certified doctors, nurses, technologists and other medical professionals will work with you to make sure you’re getting the care you need during every step of your treatment.
Depending on your type and stage of prostate cancer, you might work with:
- Urologists – Doctors who specialize in treating the urinary and male reproductive systems. They can provide surgical and medical treatments for prostate cancer.
- Medical oncologists – Doctors who specialize in using medications, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other procedures to treat cancer.
- Radiation oncologists – Doctors who specialize in using radiation to treat cancer.
We accept most health insurance plans, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Cigna, HealthPartners, Medica and many others. To learn how your plan covers the services you need, call the number on the back of your insurance card. Here are member services numbers to help you get started:
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota: 800-382-2000
- Cigna: 800-244-6224
- HealthPartners: 800-883-2177
- Medica: 800-952-3455
- Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- UnitedHealthcare: 877-842-3210