Understanding Prostate Cancer Surgery and Highlighting Patient Advocacy

Prostate cancer treatment continues to evolve, and patients have more options than ever; however, understanding the risks and benefits of each approach is critical.

“The most important thing I tell patients considering surgery is to fully understand the potential side effects and the long-term outcomes,” explained Dr. John Oertle.

Oertle is the chief medical officer of Envita Medical Center, lead of the Molecular Tumor Board, and residency director at Envita Medical Centers, in Scottsdale, Arizona. He sat down with CURE during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to discuss why radical prostatectomy may not always be the best option and how patients can advocate for the most effective, least invasive care.

Transcript

During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, what advice would you give to patients who are considering surgery, such as radical prostatectomy, and how should they advocate for themselves?

I'm going to go say, that if it were me, my loved one, or any of my patients, I would never recommend prostate removal for anyone. This is because the side effects are too high, and the procedure is not fully curative; in too many patients, the cancer ends up returning. We need to do a better job of making sure that men's health care is using the best technology, so that symptoms are reduced and improved outcomes can be achieved.

Therefore, my recommendation is that if you have prostate cancer or if you are being recommended a radical prostatectomy, either with Da Vinci or robotics, or with general surgery, you should know there are better options out there. You really need to make sure that you are advocating for yourself to get the right doctor, the right team and the right care to actually use the best technology so that your life is improved and your side effects are diminished. You can have a long life with minimal side effects well into your old age.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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