Prostate Cancer Treatment Abroad - Medical Tourism

Prostate cancer is most commonly found in men aged 65 or above. Most cases are treatable if they are found during routine physical examinations before the cancer has spread to other areas. In fact, for most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer the disease is not fatal.

The type of treatment depends on the patient’s type of cancer, how far it has spread, general health, age, and treatment preferences. Treatment may involve hormone therapy, radiation, surgery - or a combination of these. For patients aged over 70, if the cancer is localized the approach often involves regular checkups but no treatment – unless the cancer begins to spread.

Procedure information

The three main options for treating prostate cancer are surgery, radiation and hormone therapy. Surgery involves the removal of the prostate gland, in a procedure known as a prostatectomy. External radiation therapy uses X-rays to destroy the cancerous growth. This treatment typically involves a series of brief applications five days per week for one to two months. Surrounding tissue can be destroyed during this type of treatment and may cause sexual dysfunction.

Internal radiation therapy is a one-time procedure that involves the injection of radioactive seeds into the prostrate. Radiation is slowly released into the cancerous growth. Hormone therapy can accompany radiation treatment and less frequently is used on its own. Drugs used in hormone therapy lower testosterone and other male hormone levels. As the prostate tumor requires male hormones to survive, this therapy actually causes the tumor to shrink.

Recovery time

Most physicians will recommend a period of six to eight weeks recuperation after a prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Other procedures generally require a shorter period of recovery and time away from work. Even when shorter periods are advised, many patients find that if they do not follow their physician’s advice they end up being forced to be away from work and other normal activity for longer periods and experience a slower recovery.