Download talking to your doctor about prostate cancer

www.MyProstateCancerTreatment.org
TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you will want
to take the time to think about your choices and to talk with your
doctor and your loved ones about the best course of action for you.
You should ask whether or not you are a candidate for the
Oncotype DX® prostate cancer test.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Treatment Options
Below are some questions you can ask your doctor. Be sure to add your own
questions as you think of them. You may want to bring a note pad or recording
device to capture your doctor’s answers so that you can refer back to the
information following your appointment.
• What is my Gleason score, PSA level and tumor stage? Do I have
low-risk, intermediate-risk or high-risk prostate cancer?
• Is there a way to tell how quickly my prostate cancer is growing?
• Is my prostate cancer still localized, or has it spread to other parts
of my body?
• Are there additional tests we can do to gain the most complete
understanding of my prostate cancer?
• Am I a candidate for the Oncotype DX® prostate cancer test or other
diagnostic tests?
• How likely is my cancer to get worse without treatment?
• What is active surveillance, and is it an option for me?
• What are all of my prostate cancer treatment options, given the
stage of my disease?
www.MyProstateCancerTreatment.org
• What are the benefits of each treatment option? What are the drawbacks/
side effects of each one?
• What are the chances that I will have problems with bladder control or
sexual function if I have surgery or radiation therapy?
• What are the chances that I will have urinary or rectal problems if I have
radiation therapy?
• How could my age and general health affect the treatment of my cancer?
• What are my chances for survival in 10 years for each treatment option?
• How long do side effects last? Do they go away once treatment
is complete?
• Are there other types of doctors I should talk to before deciding
on treatment?
• How can I get a copy of my pathology report and testing information?
As the last question above suggests, it is important to obtain a copy of your
pathology report from your doctor. Once you have it, visit www.MyProstateCancerCoach.org , which features a free interactive tool that you can use to
better understand your disease and your individual treatment options.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About The Oncotype DX® Test
for Prostate Cancer
The Oncotype DX® prostate cancer test can help guide treatment decisions for men
diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer. You and your doctor should evaluate the
potential usefulness of the Oncotype DX® test in your particular case and together
make the decision of whether or not you will take the test.
Following are questions that you can print and take with you to help you
discuss the Oncotype DX® test with your doctor
www.MyProstateCancerTreatment.org
I understand that many patients with early-stage prostate cancer have
low-risk disease and don’t need immediate, invasive treatments like surgery
or radiation. Is that true?
Facts to know: According to a 2011 report from the National Institutes of
Health, nearly half of U.S. men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year have
disease that has not spread beyond the prostate and is at low risk for growing
and spreading. These men do not need immediate aggressive treatment, but
instead may benefit from a program of careful monitoring, or active
surveillance. This approach allows men to delay, or avoid altogether,
the serious, life-altering effects of invasive treatments.
I have read that the Oncotype DX® prostate cancer test provides a score that
helps determine my individual risk profile more accurately than traditional
measures, such as my PSA level, Gleason score and tumor stage. How could
we use this information to personalize my care?
Facts to know: The Oncotype DX® test is for men with early-stage prostate
cancer. It adds information beyond traditional factors by looking at the biology
of your individual tumor. You and your doctor should consider the Genomic
Prostate Score (GPS) obtained from the Oncotype Dx® test together with
traditional measures, as well as your personal preference, age and overall
health status, in determining whether to choose active surveillance or
immediate treatment.
Is it OK to wait a few weeks to get these results before I have to make
a decision about treatment?
Facts to know:
Men newly diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer should take the time to
carefully consider their treatment options, since many treatments are
associated with long-term side effects. You and your doctor will work together
to make this very personal decision. The Oncotype DX® prostate cancer test
adds important information that you and your doctor should take into account
when considering what treatment option is right for you.
www.MyProstateCancerTreatment.org
I do not know if insurance will cover the Oncotype DX® prostate cancer test.
Do you know whether mine will?
Facts to know:
Insurance coverage varies depending on insurance plans. The Genomic
Access Program (GAP) helps you verify whether or not your insurance
covers the test and, if so, assists you in obtaining reimbursement. In
addition, Genomic Health offers a comprehensive financial assistance
program. For more information, call 855-677-6782 (855 6 PROSTATE)
to speak to a customer service specialist.
Your Notes: