What is the Most Popular Treatment Option for Prostate Cancer?
If you've been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, you're likely exploring a variety of treatment plans. The type of treatment you receive will depend on your specific diagnosis. If you've asked yourself, "what is the most popular treatment option for prostate cancer?" you won't find one specific answer. Treatment looks different for each patient and depends on the stage of their cancer, general health and other factors. Keep reading to learn about common treatment options you can ask your doctor about.
1. Active Surveillance
Active surveillance involves closely monitoring the cancer without starting immediate treatment. It’s often recommended for men with slow-growing cancer or those with other health concerns that make aggressive treatment unnecessary.
Patients undergo regular PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests, digital rectal exams (DREs) and occasional prostate biopsies. If the cancer shows signs of progression, other treatments can be started.
Pros
- Avoids side effects of surgery or radiation.
- Appropriate for low-risk or older patients.
Cons
- Requires consistent follow-up.
- May lead to anxiety or uncertainty.
2. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells in the prostate. It's a non-surgical approach and is often recommended as a primary treatment for localized prostate cancer.
Different types of radiation therapy include:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT). A machine directs beams at the prostate from outside the body.
- Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation). Radioactive seeds are implanted into the prostate to deliver targeted radiation over time.
Treatment sessions for EBRT typically happen five days a week for several weeks. Brachytherapy involves a one-time procedure under anesthesia.
Pros
- Non-invasive or minimally invasive.
- Short recovery time.
- Effective for localized tumors.
Cons
- May cause urinary or bowel side effects.
- Risk of fatigue or erectile dysfunction over time.
For more details on EBRT, brachytherapy and combination treatments, see the National Cancer Institute’s prostate cancer treatment summary.
3. Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)
Surgical removal of the prostate gland and surrounding tissue is a common option for early-stage prostate cancer, especially in younger, healthier men.
Different types of surgery may include:
- Open surgery. Traditional approach with an abdominal incision.
- Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery. Minimally invasive methods that use smaller incisions.
You can expect a hospital stay of a few days, with catheter use for about a week. Full recovery may take several weeks.
Pros
- Offers a definitive solution.
- Allows for accurate staging of the cancer.
Cons
- Risk of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
- Longer recovery compared to radiation.
4. Focal Therapy
Focal therapy treats only the cancerous portion of the prostate, leaving the rest intact. It’s considered an emerging option and is typically used in clinical trials or in select cases.
Techniques include:
- High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).
- Cryotherapy (freezing cancer cells).
Pros
- Fewer side effects than whole-gland treatments.
- Quick recovery.
Cons
- Limited long-term data.
- Not suitable for widespread cancer in the prostate.
5. Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy)
Hormone therapy reduces the levels of male hormones (androgens), such as testosterone, which fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. While it’s more commonly used for advanced cancer, it may be combined with radiation therapy in early-stage cases, especially for those at higher risk of recurrence.
Hormone therapy can be administered through injections, pills or surgical removal of the testicles (orchiectomy).
Pros
- Can shrink the tumor before radiation.
- May help slow progression in intermediate- to high-risk early-stage cases.
Cons
- Side effects can include hot flashes, fatigue, decreased libido and bone thinning.
- Not typically used as a standalone treatment in very early-stage cancers.
How to Choose the Best Treatment for Prostate Cancer in Early Stages
The best treatment for prostate cancer in early stages is a decision that made with input from a multidisciplinary team, including a urologist, radiation oncologist and possibly a medical oncologist.
Here are a few things to consider when weighing your options:
- Age and overall health. Younger men may opt for surgery for its long-term results, while older adults may prefer less invasive approaches.
- Cancer aggressiveness. A low-grade tumor may not need immediate treatment, whereas high-grade cancers are typically treated more aggressively.
- Side effect tolerance. Discuss the potential impact of treatments on urinary, sexual and bowel function with your doctor.
- Personal preference. Some patients value peace of mind from removing the cancer surgically, while others prefer to avoid major procedures.
Tools like the Gleason score, PSA levels and imaging results can help guide your decision. A second opinion may also be helpful before choosing a path forward.
The Mayo Clinic’s prostate cancer overview offers a helpful breakdown of factors to consider, including age, tumor aggressiveness and overall health.
Outlook and Support
When caught early, prostate cancer has one of the highest survival rates of all cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for localized prostate cancer is nearly 100%.
The key is finding the right treatment that aligns with your diagnosis, personal values and lifestyle.
In addition to medical treatment, emotional and mental health support is important. Joining a prostate cancer support group—whether online or in person—can help you connect with others who are facing similar choices and share experiences.