Prostate cancer

Most individuals assigned male at birth with prostate cancer have choices when it comes to successful treatment. The best treatment plan for you is often very personal — your personality, lifestyle, and DNA can carry as much weight as the makeup of the cancer.

Prostate cancer symptoms may be like symptoms of other noncancerous prostate conditions. Talk to one of our experts if you experience these symptoms:

• Blood in the urine or semen
• Frequent urination (especially at night)
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain in the back, hips or pelvis that doesn’t go away
• Pain or burning during urination
• Trouble urinating
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine

Most males with prostate cancer have choices when it comes to successful treatment. The best treatment plan for you is often very personal — your personality, lifestyle and DNA can carry as much weight as the makeup of the cancer.

Our multidisciplinary prostate cancer team includes experts in surgery, prostate cancer genetics, radiation and medical oncology. These specialists work together to create treatment plans that weigh your personal pros and cons. They help you make decisions that give you the best chance for a good outcome and quality of life.

When you choose us for prostate cancer care, you also experience:

• Prostate cancer expertise: You receive treatment from nationally recognized experts in prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and research. Our specialists have all completed the highest level of training in prostate cancer. Each specialist also has special expertise in a particular area of prostate cancer care, such as pathology or radiation oncology. This level of subspecialization leads to better outcomes.
• The latest advances: We offer the latest prostate cancer treatment options, including those only available through clinical trials. One of these advanced tools is a hydrogel spacer that makes radiation safer by protecting the rectum from exposure. We also use a new investigative technology that lights up cancer cells during surgery for more precise removal.
• Advanced biopsy options: Advanced biopsy procedures arm our doctors with as much information as possible. In MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsies, MRI images combine with real-time ultrasound images for a clearer view of the prostate. And liquid biopsies allow us to analyze cancer DNA to find the exact treatments to stop a cancer’s growth.
• Safer treatments: Our radiation oncologists use an MR simulator for precise radiation treatment planning. How your anatomy appears on imaging can change depending on your body position. This machine takes images of you in the treatment position. Doctors can better target the treatment area, making radiation safer and more effective.
• Tailored active surveillance plans: Some prostate cancers are so slow-growing that they don’t need treatment. These cancers often benefit from active surveillance, which involves regular tests and biopsies to check for changes. Our surveillance plans are not one-size-fits-all. Instead, we personalize plans based on test results and your unique risks. Read more about our approach to prostate cancer active surveillance.
• Prostate cancer survivorship program: Even after treatment ends and you are cancer-free, certain side effects can affect you for years. In our survivorship program, we help you manage long-term treatment side effects. We also watch you closely for cancer recurrence (when the cancer returns). The same providers who were with you from the beginning are involved in this care and support. They help you maintain and improve your quality of life.
• Convenience: We make it easy to receive care through our Penn Connected Health Virtual Visit program. We also offer radiation and chemotherapy at cancer center locations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Some prostate cancer treatments may cause infertility. Our fertility preservation services give persons assigned male at birth the chance to conceive later in life.

Penn Fertility Care has been a pioneer in innovative ways to manage infertility for more than 50 years. We offer advanced reproductive technologies such as sperm banking, access to clinical trials and personalized treatment plans. Learn about Penn Fertility and Cancer.