The Possibility of Prostate Cancer Recurrence
Unfortunately, through all the hard work in diagnosing and treating the cancer, there is the possibility of prostate cancer recurrence. There will always be the chance that the cancer will return because there is a chance some of the cancerous cells were missed and not destroyed during therapy, which results in the recurrence of the cancer. With the high risk of recurrence in prostate cancer, some debate the reliability of the treatment methods in the long run. Nevertheless, it is important for the patient to realize the possibility of prostate cancer recurrence. A doctor needs to explain that the chance is good that the cancer could return and it could develop into something more serious if it is not treated swiftly.
Prostate Cancer Recurrence Rates
It is obviously important to screen for prostate cancer early, but it is also important to screen for recurrence early so it can be treated right away if it is detected. Predictions are used to determine the possibility for recurrence so the appropriate treatment methods can be instituted. In a 10-year period, the highest form of recurrence after certain therapies is 44% while the lowest happens to be 31%. This proves that the risk of prostate cancer recurrence can be quite high and that leads many to believe that the treatment methods are flawed. However, this is the best technology available and there is not much that can be done about recurrence. The best thing that a man can hope for is that the recurring cancer is detected early so it can be treated effectively.
There are also individual risk factors that go into determining whether or not the chance for recurrence is high. Those risk factors are: a short time to biochemical recurrence, rapid PSA-DT, and a high Gleason score. If one were to achieve biochemical recurrence a shorter time after radiation therapy (RT), then he is at a higher risk for prostate cancer recurrence. Also PSA-DT is the time it takes for PSA levels to double in amount after the failure of therapy. Depending on how quick this occurs, it possibility of prostate cancer recurrence can be predicted.
One can never be sure about prostate cancer recurrence. That is why one must also be looking at the warning signs of the cancer and making sure one knows enough about the disease to determine potential problems. Quick detection and treatment is the best method in fighting this cancer and it also is the easiest. It is just up to the man to know the warning signs and get tested when he turns a certain age.