Prostate cancer: who should be treated?

摘要

What are the pros and cons of treating prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is usually found in the early stages, when treatment can cure it. Some men have more aggressive cancer that spreads quickly; treatment can be life-saving in these cases. However, treatment can also cause urinary, sexual, and bowel problems. Why is treatment not recommended for some people? In most men, prostate cancer grows so slowly that it will not lead to death within 10 years, even if the cancer is not treated. Prostate cancer is usually found late in life, so men who are expected to live less than 10 years and who have a slow-growing cancer will probably not benefit from treatment.