Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer: What Comes Next?
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may have some time to review options before choosing a treatment path. We recommend consulting with an oncologist who specializes in prostate cancer before deciding whether to have surgery. In many cases, especially for early-stage prostate cancer, surgery can be delayed or completely avoided.
The Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY offer consultations to discuss your options and timing of treatments based on the stage and grade of prostate cancer.
Getting a Second Opinion for Prostate Cancer Treatment
Many men receive their prostate cancer diagnosis from a urologist. While urologists play an important role in diagnosis and surgical care, they may not be as familiar with other treatment options that can preserve your prostate, including state-of-the-art Cyberknife technology.
Even when surgery is part of the recommended treatment plan, there may be additional treatments available that can lower the risk of cancer recurrence that an oncologist can discuss with you.
When scheduling a second opinion appointment at one of our Syracuse area cancer centers, you’ll also have an opportunity to review available clinical trials and see where you feel most comfortable. Second opinions are usually covered by insurance, but it's best to check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage.
Doctors Who Treat Prostate Cancer in Central New York
At Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York, patients who are diagnosed with prostate cancer meet with a medical oncologist at their first appointment. This visit focuses on understanding your specific diagnosis and discussing all treatment options, including whether you can wait before starting treatment.
If the recommended treatment plan includes radiation therapy, you will also consult with one of our radiation oncologists. Together, your care team will tailor each step of your treatment to your individual needs and goals.
Determining a Prostate Cancer Treatment Plan
After a prostate biopsy, additional tests may include blood tests and imaging such as a PET scan or MRI. These tests help the oncologist assess how advanced the prostate cancer is. With this information, our team will determine the stage of cancer and its likelihood of growing quickly or slowly.
Treatment plans are then developed individually for each patient. Not every patient will receive the same therapies, and the timing is different for each man based on the stage and how quickly the cancer is growing. Recommendations are also based on the patient's age, overall health, and ability to undergo treatments. Your care team will explain each recommendation and is available to answer any questions about the suggested treatments to ensure you fully understand their goals.
If active surveillance is recommended, your oncologist will discuss how closely you'll be monitored during this period, and what signs might indicate that treatment should begin.
Should You Consider a Clinical Trial for Prostate Cancer?
Clinical trials may be an option for some patients, offering an emerging therapy that isn’t widely available. Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY actively participates in cancer research to help improve outcomes for our patients right here in the Syracuse area. Your oncologist will discuss this option with you if you qualify.
Learn about clinical trials available at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY.
Preparing for Your First Oncology Appointment
Your first oncology visit can feel overwhelming due to the amount of information discussed. Bringing a trusted friend or family member can help with note-taking and provide support.
We recommend keeping a notebook or digital record with questions you want to ask, a list of medications or supplements you take, important dates, and any symptoms or concerns. This information helps your care team provide the most effective treatment.
Questions to Ask Your Prostate Cancer Doctor
During your first appointment, you may find it helpful to ask some or all of the following questions:
- Does my prostate cancer require immediate treatment?
- What are my available treatment options?
- What side effects can I expect? Is there anything I can do to manage them?
- Could treatment affect my bladder or rectum?
- How long will treatment last?
- Will I need to undergo prostate cancer surgery?
- Are there lifestyle or dietary changes I should consider?
- Can I continue taking my supplements? Do you recommend any others?
- Will I continue seeing my primary care doctor?
- Are prostate cancer clinical trials an option for me?
- How likely is my cancer to come back after treatment?
- Should my family consider genetic testing?
Insurance Coverage
Concerns about the cost of cancer care are common. While coverage varies by insurance plan, many aspects of your care are typically covered. We accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer access to financial counselors who can help you understand coverage and payment options.
When scheduling the appointment, our team will verify your insurance is accepted by our providers, or you can visit our Billing Insurance Information page for additional details.
Choosing Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY for Prostate Cancer Care
Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY is a physician-owned practice serving the Syracuse area and the entire Central New York region. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, advanced care for prostate cancer using the latest technologies and treatments. Our comprehensive care team includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, oncology nurses, and supportive care specialists. When surgery is part of your treatment plan, we will work closely with your prostate cancer surgeon.
From diagnosis to treatment, we are committed to supporting you at every step of the journey. This includes access to a survivorship program that provides ongoing support after treatment.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, request an appointment for a consultation with one of our oncologists in Central New York.
