Will my dad need surgery for prostate cancer and bladder issues?

Question

Hello doctor,

My father, who is 65 years old, was recently told he has prostate cancer, and we are trying to understand what to expect. We have heard that prostate cancer can grow very slowly, but his doctor did not say for sure whether he should start treatment now or wait. My questions are:

How do we know if it is spreading or not?
Is prostate cancer usually painful, or is it something that does not hurt until later?
I read somewhere that diet can affect cancer growth, so is there anything he should avoid eating?
Are there treatments that are less intense for older men, or do all treatments have the same side effects?
He is active for his age, so can exercise help him fight the cancer?
Will he need surgery, or can it just be treated with medication?

We are also worried that it might affect his bladder since he has had some trouble with it already.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Usually, prostate cancer is slow-growing in elderly patients. But whether it is slow-growing or rapidly growing depends on the prostate biopsy report.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans and other scans can show whether it is localized or has spread to other parts.

The treatment depends upon the results of the above investigations. Some just need the policy and require no treatment. Others need surgery (removal of the prostate) or radiotherapy, while a few more need hormonal therapy.

Prostate cancer is painful, especially if the bones are involved by prostate cancer. Usually, he should limit eating red meat and fatty foods and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits.

The above investigations can detect whether the urinary bladder is involved or not.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.