Understanding Your Diagnosis
The treatment of prostate cancer depends upon the stage of cancer, tumor grade, and the patient’s general health status, age, and PSA.
Once diagnosed, it is important to understand the treatment options that are available. Our team of healthcare professionals and support staff are committed to helping men along every step of the journey. The Prostate Cancer Centre staff will provide men and their loved ones with information on the various treatment options available.
Frequently asked questions
WHAT ARE THE WAIT TIMES FOR SURGERY?
Once your urologist has booked your surgery, the wait can be 1-3 months, depending on the type of surgery and the doctor.
HOW DO I SEE A UROLOGIST?
You need a doctor to refer you to one of the 16 Urologists in Calgary. This doctor can be from out of province.
IF MY PSA LEVEL IS HIGH, DO I HAVE CANCER?
Not necessarily. High PSA level can be caused by a number of factors. Learn more here
AFTER A SURGICAL TREATMENT, DO I NEED TO CONTINUE GETTING MY PSA TESTED?
Yes. You will need to have your PSA tested at 3 and 6 months after surgery and yearly after that.
DOES AN MRI OR CAT SCAN WORK IN DIAGNOSING PROSTATE CANCER?
No. These tests are generally not used to diagnose prostate cancer. If cancer is detected and it appears to be advanced, a bone scan may be done to rule out metastasis.
HOW DO I RE-BOOK OR CANCEL MY BIOPSY?
Contact EFW at 403.541.1200
WHAT IS ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE?
Sometimes a biopsy shows that a patient has low risk cancer, but it isn’t necessary to treat it. Your urologist may discuss actively monitoring your PSA and DRE and perhaps order repeat biopsies.
CAN I BE TREATED WITHOUT ALBERTA HEALTH CARE?
Please discuss this with your urologist.
WHERE CAN I GET A PSA TEST?
Not necessarily. High PSA level can be caused by a number of factors. Learn more here
DO YOU KNOW OF ANY ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet are good ways to help fight cancer and an exercise counsellor and dietitian would be able to help you with that. If you have a diagnosis of cancer, it is important to follow up with your urologist. Depending on the cancer, you may be able to have active surveillance, where a urologist would be monitoring your PSA and performing digital rectal exams regularly. If the risk becomes higher, surgery or radiation may be recommended.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS WHEN I GO INTO SURGERY?
You will be admitted to Daycare. Everything will be stored there and sent up to your room on Unit 82 after your surgery. Please leave valuables at home.
IF I DON'T HAVE A FAMILY DOCTOR, WHERE CAN I FIND ONE?
Click here to search for a family doctor near you.
Caring for Someone with Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer care often center’s mainly on men in terms of diagnosis and treatment. While the man has to deal with the physical (and psychosocial) effects of the treatment, partners can also be deeply affected. Health care professionals are acknowledging prostate cancer as a “couples disease”.
Below are a few helpful tips for partners looking to help their loved one through their journey with prostate cancer:
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Participate in your loved one’s treatment.
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Keep the lines of communication open.
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Be flexible.
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A willingness to take on extra responsibility.
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A sense of humour.
The Prostate Cancer Centre’s staff, volunteers, and medical professionals work hard to include all family members in a man’s prostate cancer journey. Our Resource Centre is open weekdays and there is always a cup of coffee and often an empathetic volunteer on duty.
”When my husband was in surgery I had no where to go. The only place I could think of was Calgary’s Prostate Cancer Centre because we had visited after his diagnosis. The staff and volunteers put me at ease and made the waiting more comfortable. I knew I would always be welcome there.