| The answer to that question is, it depends. Radiation | | | | necessary. |
| therapy for prostate cancer is definitely a good | | | | The most troubling side effects of prostate cancer |
| option, and for some men it is the best option. But it | | | | treatment are incontinence and impotence. Either can |
| depends. | | | | occur with either surgical or radiation treatment for |
| In a 50-year old man radiation therapy is the best | | | | prostate cancer. As long as the cancer hasn't spread, |
| option. In an 80-year old man, it probably isn't. | | | | and it is localized in the prostate, radiation therapy for |
| Younger men benefit more from radiation therapy | | | | prostate cancer--especially brachytherapy--is the best |
| for prostate cancer than older men do. Radiation | | | | option for younger men. |
| therapy with pellets has the same results as external | | | | It's different with older men, though. Most prostate |
| radiation therapy, and is an excellent option for | | | | cancer is slow-growing, especially in older men. The |
| younger men. The failure rate of radiation therapy | | | | cost of treatment, in pain and complications, is higher |
| for prostate cancer is low when the cancer is | | | | than the cost of living with cancer. In most older |
| diagnosed early, and therapy doesn't cause a | | | | men, the best treatment is "watchful waiting." |
| significant interruption in his normal routine. He is | | | | NOTE: This article only reflects the opinion of the |
| usually able to return to work within a few days. | | | | writer. It is not intended to be used as medical |
| The only chemo available to treat prostate cancer | | | | advice. Your doctor is the best person to help you |
| right now is hormone injections that stop | | | | decide what treatment is best for you. You should |
| testosterone production. Few young men are ready | | | | always check with him or her about treatment |
| to give up their testosterone if it isn't absolutely | | | | options. |