New diagnosis Gleason 6
Hello
I would really appreciate peoples advice and experience.
My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer yesterday over the phone! They said he is a Gleason 6, low grade cancer, localised on the left side of prostate, 7mm. He has a small prostate 26 ml?? He is 70 years old. His PSA levels around 5.
They are recommending active surveillance because it’s likely to be slow growing.
He has many symptoms, frequent urinating, unable to hold, burning, unable to fully empty etc.
I did ask the doctor why they wouldn’t recommend treatment right now since he has many symptoms. Dr saying the symptoms could be bladder related and separate from prostate cancer? I did not fully understand why he’d think that. It was these symptoms which led them to scan and find cancer.
Surely since the cancer has been detected, we should try and cure it right now before it spreads? We are scared that if we wait, it’ll spread (despite it being slow growing), and then he’ll be older, making treatment more difficult.
Has anyone had treatment for low grade cancer? Would you advise we wait or just get on with treatment?
Any one on active surveillance then moved onto treatment?
So confused. Please help.
Hi
. I'm sorry to hear about your father's diagnosis, but it is good news that it was caught so early and that he has you advocating on his behalf. Your questions about the symptoms and if they indicate the need to start treatment are certainly understandable. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. First, I want to share with you this article on prostate disease, which goes over potential causes of symptoms besides prostate cancer: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/prostate-disease. Second, this article from our editorial team gives and overview of active surveillance: https://prostatecancer.net/treatment/active-surveillance
I completely get your concern about time, but that said, the one thing that a Gleason 6 provides is time to get some answers, such as some tests to confirm or refute some of the theories the doctors have on the causes of your father's symptoms. Since they are suggesting active surveillance, they should be able to provide a plan for moving forward. Also, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion. Hope this information is helpful and please don't hesitate to keep us posted on how things are going. Best, Richard (ProstateCancer.net Team)
