Side effects from prostate cancer treatment can continue for ten ...

Researchers have found that, in a survey of over 500 men with prostate cancer, the side effects from the treatment can last for up to 10 years.? This number includes patients who discovered their cancer during routine screenings and the side effects include decreased sexual function and an increase in bladder control problems for 10 years subsequent.

It may seem obvious that these side effects are still better than actually having cancer, but the issue is actually not quite so black and white.? Prostate cancer is a very slow-growing cancer and may never actually get to the point where it can be fatal.? In addition, many studies have found no evidence that PSA tests (blood tests used to screen men for prostate cancer) are even effective in terms of saving lives.? There are also high rates of false positives for these tests (up to 75.9%), along with side effects from the testing as well as side effects from eventual treatment, if necessary.? Because of this, the U.S Preventative Services Task Force actually advises against the screening.

In terms of the actual treatment, over 95% of affected men had some degree of sexual dysfunction and roughly half the men had urinary issues.? Some past studies have returned similar results but on a smaller scale, with the side effects seeming to last about 5 years, which does leave the question of sexual dysfunction and urinary problems simply being a result of aging as opposed to the prostate treatment.? However, the more recent studies seem to put this issue to bed, by comparing 269 men who had prostate cancer detected and received treatment to 260 men who had been screened but had no cancer.

After accounting for age, general health and some other relevant factors, the group who had actually been treated for cancer had worse sexual and urinary function up to 10 years later.

The suggestion at the moment is that this issue be considered on a case-by-case basis.? Men should educate themselves on prostate cancer and make a decision regarding screening by discussing with a doctor.? According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately half the men in the U.S who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are ?low-risk? and the cancer is unlikely to progress.

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