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Locally advanced prostate cancer

Locally advanced prostate cancer is cancer that has spread to the area just outside the prostate gland, but has not spread to other parts of the body.

Different specialists sometimes use the term locally advanced prostate cancer in slightly different ways. If you have been diagnosed with locally advanced prostate cancer, ask your doctor or nurse what it means in your case, as this may affect what treatments are suitable for you.

Treatment options for locally advanced prostate cancer will depend on how far the cancer has spread outside of the prostate but usually treatment is aimed at controlling the cancer, rather than trying to get rid of it completely.

Updated May 2010

To be reviewed May 2012

Choosing a treatment+

Talk to your doctor or specialist nurse about your treatment options and the possible side effects of the treatments.

Before you make a decision about your treatment, talk to your doctor or specialist nurse about:

What the treatment involves
The possible side effects of the treatment
The advantages and disadvantages of the treatment
What other treatments are available
What clinical trials are available at your local hospital or other treatment centres in the UK.

Read more about treatment choices for locally advanced prostate cancer

Where can I get support?+

If you have been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and are facing decisions about treatment, support is available and there are many people who can help you and your family. It can be an overwhelming time and you may find it difficult to know how to make a decision about your treatment.

Talk to your doctor or specialist nurse if you have any questions or concerns. They can help to answer your questions as well as provide support.

You and your family may find that it helps to speak to someone who has been through a similar experience. Ask your specialist nurse if there is a support group near you.

If you, your partner or your family have any questions about diagnosis or treatments for prostate cancer you can call our confidential Helpline to speak to a specialist nurse.

Questions to ask your specialist team+

Which of the treatment options in this fact sheet are suitable for me and why?
Are all of the treatments available at my local hospital?
What are the side effects of each treatment?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment?
What clinical trials are available in my local hospital or elsewhere?
When do I need to make a decision by?
After treatment, how will I be monitored and often will this be?
Where is my nearest support group?

Locally advanced prostate cancer
This fact sheet is for men who have recently been diagnosed with locally advanced prostate cancer. It gives an overview of the treatments for locally advanced prostate cancer and includes information on some of the tests you may have had.
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Locally advanced prostate cancer

Locally advanced prostate cancer

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