When is radiation therapy or surgery the right treatment option for prostate cancer? Both treatments provide benefits and risks that may make one a better choice than another. Age is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer, and often plays a key role in choosing between surgery and radiation. See a quick round-up of the pros and cons below, then ask an expert your questions about prostate cancer treatment.

Radiation Therapy

• Typically requires several weeks of treatment.
• New technology delivers radiation to the prostate, with better accuracy, minimizing side effects and toxicity.
• Common side effects may include: skin sensitivity in the area that is treated, diarrhea, and an increase in the frequency or urgency of urination.

Prostatectomy (Surgery)

• Typically return home in one day.
• Minimally invasive, but with slight risks of general surgery.
• Significant risk of incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Most men take 6-12 months to recover erectile function, if a nerve-sparing prostatectomy was performed.

Have more questions about prostate cancer? Ask urologist, Dr. Larry Bans, and radiation oncologist, Dr. Lanceford Chong, during a special webinar hosted by Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Submit a question and they will be back next week to answer them.