Current decision-making in prostate cancer therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Prostate cancer continues to be the most prevalent cancer among American men. Localized prostate cancer is commonly diagnosed because of improved screening practices nationwide. Several options exist for the treatment of localized prostate cancer, and this review discusses the decision-making process facing patients diagnosed with this disease. RECENT FINDINGS: No one treatment for localized prostate cancer has proven superior to date. For this reason patients have been found to use a number of resources to make an informed decision. These include physicians, spouses, family, friends, and different media. Urologists serve as the primary and most influential physicians and play an important role in the decision-making process. Patients, however, are assuming a more active role in this process as time evolves, especially with ease of access to multiple information resources. SUMMARY: In deciding on a treatment for localized prostate cancer, patients must weigh the risks and benefits of each option. Urologists must provide patients with up-to-date information on these options and be aware of the different influences that surround these men during the decision-making process.