Newly Diagnosed?

If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer, we would like to suggest a few thoughts:

• Don't rush into a decision about treatment. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, SCCA's Dr. Paul Lange says, you can safely take one to three months to do research, get a second opinion, and carefully consider your options.

• Ask someone you trust to go with you to doctors' appointments and tests. This person can provide emotional support, and also help by taking notes, keeping track of questions you want to ask, and doing research on your disease and your treatment options.

• All prostate cancers are not the same. The treatment a friend or relative received may not be the best treatment for you.

• If caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable, and most men with prostate cancer survive.

More information can be found here:

• Treatment options
• Team of doctors
• SCCA Prostate Center

You may want to hear prostate cancer survivor Steve Fleischman's story, click here. Steve was treated by SCCA physician Dr. Paul Lange, (who was treated for prostate cancer himself). His story was featured on King-5 Television in Seattle.

Remember to take care of yourself. Exercise and a healthy diet are especially important now. You may want to join a support group or talk to a social worker or nutritionist. You also may find useful information in the Patient Education section of this web site.

If you are concerned about whether your health insurance will cover treatment at SCCA, more information can be found on our Insurance and Financial Information page.

May 2007