Biopsy results
It can take up to two weeks for the results of the biopsy to come back. You may wish to take a family member or friend with you for support when you get the results. If cancer is found, this is likely to be a big shock and you may not remember everything that the doctor tells you.
You may find it helpful to take a tape recorder with you and ask your doctor’s permission to tape your consultation so you can take it home afterwards and listen to what was said as often as you need. You may find that it also helps to talk to friends and family or a counsellor about how you are feeling.
A personal experience
“I first shared my diagnosis with my partner. It helped to take a little time to come to terms with it before I told other family members and friends”.
Support groups can help you to share experiences and advice with other men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Ask your specialist team if there is a support group in your area, or call our confidential Helpline on 0800 074 8383.
If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may need more tests to find out whether it is likely to have spread outside the prostate. The results should help you and your doctor decide on your best treatment options. You may not need to have these tests if your PSA is low and your Gleason score shows that the cancer is unlikely to have spread1.
References used in the production of this page.
1 National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Prostate Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment; Full Guideline. 2008