ProstateCancer:A Doctor Discussion Guidefor Patients and Caregivers

A doctor talking to a patient

Every journey is different

Prostate cancer is a lot to take on. The symptoms – and the questions they raise – may feel too personal to talk about. But in conversations with your doctor, speaking up can make a huge difference in your care.

Whether you or someone you love was just diagnosed or has been managing this for years, no two cases are the same. The more your team knows about your body and your life, the better the plan they can build with you. So get personal. Say the awkward thing. Ask the hard question. This guide can help you get started.

A doctor and patient talking while a friend takes notes

Who’s on your team?

Treating prostate cancer takes a team. Your primary care doctor may have been the first to flag something, but a urologist and oncologist usually join soon after. Nurses, social workers, and mental health counselors can be part of the picture, too.

And sometimes the most important person in the room isn't a doctor at all. Patients say bringing a friend or family member to appointments to take notes and help sort through it all later makes a real difference. Remember, you don't have to do this alone.

Prepare for your next appointment

What will help give you confidence in the next conversation with your doctor? Let’s think about what information you need, and how to ask for it.

Not sure where to start? These questions can help.

    Questions about a new diagnosis
  • What is my Gleason score, and what does it tell us?
  • Is my cancer considered slow-growing or aggressive?
  • Has my cancer spread outside the prostate?
  • What scans do I need to ensure we know exactly where the cancer is?
  • How might treatment affect my sexual function and urinary control?
  • What are the pros and cons of each of these treatment options?

    Questions if your PSA is rising

    Use these questions if you’ve already had surgery or radiation in the past, but your PSA blood tests are starting to go back up or if the cancer is progressing.

  • What is my PSA doubling time?
  • What scans or tests are needed now?
  • Are new treatments needed and, if so, how are we revising my treatment goals?
  • Are these treatments daily pills, or shots I have to come into the clinic for?
  • If we choose to just watch it for now, how do we know if it’s time to start treatment?

    What happens next?
  • Do we need to make a treatment decision today, or do I have time to think it through and get a second opinion?
  • Are there any clinical trials that I might be a good candidate for?
  • Who should we contact about new symptoms between my regular appointments?
Symptom Check-in

What have you noticed?

Even the smallest change can be an important clue. Try bringing a symptom log to your next appointment.

In the last month, have you experienced any of the following?

☐ Bladder or bowel changes (control, frequency, or urgency)
☐ Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
☐ Pain in the lower back, hips, pelvis, or ribs
☐ Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs or feet
☐ Swelling in the legs or pelvic area

Have you noticed any emotional changes? How you talk about feelings of depression, anxiety, or stress can help give your doctor the full picture.

The Check-up
A man getting ready for a run

Your quality of life matters

Prostate cancer can impact every part of your life. When you talk to your doctor, share details about your day-to-day. Help them understand what is most important to you.

    For patients:
  • “These side effects keep me up all night, so mornings with my kids are impossible.”
  • “This treatment schedule means I’m missing an important weekly meeting at work. Are there any other options?”

    For caregivers:
  • “How do we know if a side effect is bad enough to call?”
  • “Are there any programs that could connect us to other patients and families?”
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