Genitourinary Cancer (GU) Cancers

Genitourinary cancers can spread (metastasize) to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, bones, liver, lungs, or other areas, depending on the specific type and stage of cancer. Certain types of GU cancers, like prostate cancer, can also spread to the brain and pancreas in rare circumstances.

Knowing where the cancer has spread is important because it can affect the symptoms you might experience and help guide your treatment plan. Your RMCC care team will carefully assess the extent of metastasis to help determine the most appropriate approach for your care.

Each type of GU cancer has a recommended treatment path. Your oncologist will tailor this path for you based on many factors including the type and stage of your cancer, your cancer biomarkers, and overall health. Treatments for GU cancers can include one or more of the following:

• Surgery: A common part of many treatment plans, surgery aims to remove the tumor.
• Chemotherapy: This treatment targets and destroys cancer cells. While it can also affect some healthy cells, it's an established method for controlling cancer progression.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation can be used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: This treatment uses your body’s immune system to combat cancer, using either natural or lab-made substances.
• Targeted therapy: These advanced medications focus on specific genetic mutations or proteins to slow the growth of cancer.

At RMCC, we are dedicated to offering you the most comprehensive care for GU cancer. Our specialists work together to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals, ensuring you feel supported and informed at every stage of your journey.

Our financial counselors work closely with you to review your insurance coverage for cancer treatment. They'll explain what is covered and outline any potential out-of-pocket expenses. Choosing care at an independent cancer center like RMCC can help make treatment more affordable, potentially reducing costs by up to 50% compared to hospital outpatient departments, according to the Community Oncology Alliance.

Affordable cancer care doesn’t mean compromising on quality. At RMCC, you will receive the same high level of treatment and expertise that is provided in hospital-affiliated oncology departments.

Clinical trials offer an opportunity to access innovative treatments for GU cancers that aren't yet widely available. RMCC participates in many cancer clinical trials, giving people with GU cancer the chance to explore cutting-edge therapies. While eligibility varies, we are happy to discuss your options and help you understand whether a trial may be right for you. Speak with your oncologist to determine if a clinical trial is appropriate for your situation.

For over 30 years, RMCC has been a leader in cancer care throughout Colorado. Our physicians and advanced practice providers have received training at some of the most prestigious cancer centers in the country and beyond, bringing that expertise directly to you. They are dedicated to providing the most effective treatment options and customizing care plans to address the unique needs of each individual with GU cancer.