Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer/ Prostate carcinoma

Prostate cancer is the most common malignant tumor disease, also referred to as prostatic carcinoma. Due to steadily increasing life expectancy, the incidence of prostate cancer is also expected to rise. Prostate cancer is the third-deadliest cancer in the Western world, after lung and colon cancer. The disease mostly affects older men and practically never occurs in men under the age of 40.

As the disease does not cause any symptoms - or only very non-specific ones, a thorough diagnostic evaluation is crucial. Depending on the tumor stage, both conservative and surgical treatment options can be considered.

What is a certified prostate cancer center?

The first prostate cancer center received a special certification in 2008 by the German Cancer Association. Cancer centers are characterized by a collaboration of specialists from different medical specialties to provide patients with a comprehensive range of treatments. These centers have extensive experience in the treatment of a specific cancer. Certified cancer centers must also meet particularly high standards.

A major focus is on a multidisciplinary approach. Specialists in urology, oncology, surgery, radiation therapy, as well as specialists from non-medical fields work closely together to provide patients with prostate cancer a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. The treatment is based on the latest clinical guidelines to ensure the highest level of care in line with the most recent scientific findings.

This certification requires these prostate cancer centers to undergo regular evaluation and development. Their quality of care is regularly assessed by various committees and published. High professional requirements are placed on the work of these centers. 

What services do specialists in prostate cancer offer?

A prostate cancer specialist offers patients a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A thorough assessment of the extent of the condition must be performed before the best treatment can be initiated. This requires a variety of examinations to gain more information regarding the staging of the tumor. The results are discussed at a large conference, where many prostate specialists come together to discuss the suitable treatment plan.

Conservative and surgical treatment options are available. Experienced prostate specialists take all individual factors into account when supporting patients in choosing the right course of treatmentwith the highest success rate.

The range of services includes:

• minimally invasive surgical interventions up to radical prostate removal
• special radiation techniques
• chemotherapy
• medications that specifically modify the hormonal balance
• psychological support before, during, and after treatment

Prostate cancer specialists support and advise their patients all the way from diagnostics to structured follow-up care.

Why should I choose to be treated by a prostate specialist?

Most patients are under the care of their office-based urologist when they first receive the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Afterwards, a referral to a specialized urologist or a certified clinic is made. One of the advantages of being treated by a specialist is the high level of experience and the wide range of treatment options available to patients. 

Another advantage is that experts from various specialties work closely together, providing a holistic treatment approach. Various studies have shown that treatment in a certified center not only offers a higher survival rate, but is also associated with fewer complications as well as a better physical condition after surgery.

The same applies to outpatient therapy for prostate cancer patients being treated at a certified center, where different departments are in constant contact with each other. To ensure A structured follow up care after the completion of acute care, the specialists also remain in contact with the patient’s office-based urologist, ensuring continuous care.

Where can I find an experienced specialist or clinic for prostate cancer?

At PRIMO MEDICO you will find exclusively experienced specialists and clinics for prostate cancer in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.