Quality Of Life Varies After Prostate Cancer Therapy

Quality of life should be weighed carefully when prostate cancer patients are considering treatment options. With treatment, it is not enough just to be a survivor, particularly with prostate cancer. Different therapies can have dissimilar effects on various aspects of everyday living. Researchers from nine hospitals evaluated data from 1,201 patients and 625 spouses or partners before and after surgical removal of the prostate (radical prostatectomy), brachytherapy (implanted radioactive "seeds" in the tumor), or external-beam radiation. Life-threatening side effects were rare, but men in all of the groups experienced some problems urinating, achieving erections, and moving their bowels. No procedure was best or worst overall. Of...