Prostate Cancer
Skilled Cancer Care in Fredericksburg & Stafford
Chemotherapy is rarely the primary therapy for men with prostate cancer,
but it may be used when prostate cancer has spread outside of the prostate
gland, especially if hormone therapy is no longer effective. Your medical
oncologist will determine how long and how often chemotherapy treatments
are necessary, if at all.
Hormone therapy is an alternative option for patients. Male hormones such
as testosterone cause prostate cancer cells to grow. The reduction of
hormone levels can sometimes make the prostate cancer shrink or slow its
growth. The goal of hormone therapy is to lower the level of male hormones
in the body. Hormone therapy isn’t a cure for cancer, but is often
used in the treatment of those whose cancer has recurred or spread after
treatment.
Prostate Cancer Screening Tools
We recommend that men have their first screening exam at age 50.
The tests used for screening include:
- DRE (digital rectal examinations)
- PSA (prostate-specific antigen)
If these test results are unusual, your physician may have the tests repeated
or have an ultrasound requested.
SpaceOAR Treatment for Prostate Cancer minimizes side effects during radiation therapy.
Find out more.
Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
High-energy rays (such as X-rays) and particles (such as electrons and
protons) are used to kill cancer cells. In order to treat an advanced
stage of the disease and shrink the tumor’s size, radiation therapy
may be employed. The two main types are external beam radiation and brachytherapy
(internal radiation).
Surgery for Prostate Cancer
We offer two convenient locations, with surgical options at each. Mary
Washington Hospital is a 437-bed tertiary care center located in Fredericksburg,
Virginia. Stafford Hospital is a 100-bed community based hospital located
just south of North Stafford.
Surgical options include the following:
- Prostatectomy
- Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
- Cryotherapy
Both Mary Washington and Stafford Hospitals offer
traditional prostatectomy. This procedure is performed by experienced, board-certified urology surgeons,
many of whom are also fellowship-trained.
We are here to help
For more information or to talk with a Cancer Nurse Navigator, please call
540.741.1211.
Our Cancer Nurse Navigators can help with:
- Answering questions and providing educational materials on cancer and specific
types of cancer
- Explaining your diagnosis and treatment, every step of the way
- Emotional support, including one-on-one time, and recommendations for counseling services
- Expedited scheduling and coordinating of diagnostic test and physician
appointments
- Coordination on your plan of care between your primary care and oncology
physicians
- Access to clinical trials
- Recommendations on resources for nutrition, rehabilitation, transportation,
support groups, financial assistance, and spiritual and emotional guidance
- Making important connections with community support services and resources
- Survivorship support
For more information, or to talk with a Cancer Nurse Navigator, please
call 540.741.1211.