Prostate Cancer Care

For some men, yes, it can be safe to wait before beginning treatment. Many types of prostate cancer grow very slowly and may not pose a serious threat to your health right away. It’s best to meet with an oncologist after a prostate biopsy so they can review your Gleason score and other test results. They will be able to tell you if active surveillance is an option or if treatment is recommended right away. 

Active surveillance means we’ll monitor your cancer closely with regular PSA tests, physical exams, and occasional imaging or biopsies. This approach helps you avoid or delay the side effects of treatments like surgery or radiation, such as changes in urinary or sexual function, until it’s truly necessary.

At Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, your oncologist will discuss your diagnosis and help you understand whether waiting is a safe choice. If treatment becomes necessary, we’ll guide you through all your options so you can feel confident moving forward.

Learn more in our blog: Should You Wait Before Starting Prostate Cancer Treatment?

Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer live long, full lives, especially when the cancer is found early. According to the American Cancer Society, the outlook for prostate cancer is generally very good. When the cancer is detected while it’s still within the prostate or nearby (which is true for most cases), the five-year relative survival rate is nearly 100%.

Even if prostate cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes, survival rates remain high, with most men living many years after diagnosis. For those whose cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the five-year survival rate drops to about 34%. Still, new treatments, including advanced hormone therapies, targeted drugs, and radiopharmaceuticals, continue to improve outcomes for many patients thanks to clinical trials.

It’s important to remember that survival rates are averages. They don’t predict exactly what will happen in your case. Your age, overall health, the stage and grade of your cancer, and how well it responds to treatment all play a role in your outlook. Your oncologist at RMCC will explain your specific diagnosis and help you understand your options for achieving the best possible outcome.

Not always. Surgery isn’t required for every man diagnosed with prostate cancer. At RMCC, treatment is personalized based on your stage of cancer, overall health, and preferences. Many men can be treated effectively with non-surgical options.

Radiation therapy is one common alternative. It can target and destroy cancer cells without removing the prostate, using either external beams or internal methods such as brachytherapy. These treatments minimize damage to surrounding tissues while effectively treating the cancer.

Other approaches, such as hormone therapy, targeted drug treatments, or clinical trial options, may also be recommended for certain stages or types of prostate cancer. These treatments can be used on their own or in combination, depending on what your oncologist feels is best for your specific case.

Your RMCC care team will discuss all available options with you, explaining the potential benefits, risks, and side effects of each. Together, you can decide whether surgery is the right choice or if another treatment path is more appropriate for your situation.

Learn more: Does Surgery Have to Be Part of Prostate Cancer Treatment?

While surgery can eliminate most of the cancer cells, some could be left behind. To be sure all cancer cells are eliminated and to reduce the risk of the cancer returning, additional treatment is often recommended. The most common treatment after prostate surgery is external beam radiation therapy. The RMCC radiation oncologists can treat the area where the prostate used to be, called the prostate bed. Precautions are used to protect other nearby organs, including the bladder and rectum. These treatments are usually given five days a week for four to five weeks. 

Learn more about radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

After a prostatectomy, your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level is one of the most important tools your doctor uses to monitor for any signs of prostate cancer returning. Since the prostate gland has been removed, your PSA level should drop to nearly zero. If your PSA stays undetectable, it usually means there are no active prostate cells left in your body.

However, if your PSA starts to rise after surgery, it can be an early sign that some prostate cancer cells remain or have started to grow again. By checking your PSA regularly, your cancer care team can detect changes as early as possible and begin treatments that will ensure the cancer does not continue to grow and spread. Radiation therapy can be effective. However, if you have already received radiation therapy after surgery, hormone therapy may be suggested.

Don’t miss out on follow-up appointments. Regular PSA monitoring gives you and your oncologist the best chance to act quickly if the cancer starts to return, improving your long-term survival chances.

Learn more about recurrent prostate cancer.

Clinical trials can offer access to new treatments for prostate cancer that aren’t widely available yet. Many current studies focus on targeted therapies and advanced drugs designed for specific genetic changes.

At RMCC, we participate in numerous prostate cancer clinical trials, allowing patients to explore innovative options beyond standard care. Not everyone will qualify, but our team will carefully review your diagnosis, stage, and medical history to see if a trial could be a good fit for you. Your oncologist will discuss the potential benefits, risks, and what to expect, so you can make an informed decision.

For over 30 years, RMCC has been a trusted leader in delivering world-class cancer care across Colorado. Many patients meet with one of our radiation oncologists for prostate cancer treatment planning. Some patients will also have medical oncology treatments included in their treatment plan. Our oncologists work together with your urologist to create a comprehensive treatment plan that includes the most recent therapies available today. 

They stay at the forefront of prostate cancer research and treatments, offering care that is innovative, evidence-based, and personalized for each patient. Our specialists work closely with you and your urologist to create a plan that addresses your diagnosis, goals, and quality of life.

The cost of treatment varies based on your diagnosis, insurance coverage, and treatment plan. Our financial counselors will walk you through your insurance benefits and provide a clear picture of what will be covered, along with any out-of-pocket expenses.

Choosing a cancer center like RMCC can also help lower your costs. According to the Community Oncology Alliance, cancer treatment at oncology practices such as RMCC cost up to 50% less than at a hospital-affiliated outpatient department.

Lower cost doesn’t mean lower quality. RMCC delivers the same advanced treatments, technologies, and personalized care you’d find in a hospital setting—often at a more affordable price and closer to home.