Prostate Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment

Excerpt

Prostate cancer is one of the commonest cancers in men. Each year there are about 27,773 new cases in England and Wales, and 9161 deaths. Prostate cancer is predominantly a disease of older men but around 20% of cases occur in men under the age of 65. Over the past 10 to 15 years there have been a number of significant advances in its management but also a number of major controversies, especially about the clinical management of patients with early, non-metastatic disease. These uncertainties clearly cause anxieties for patients and their families. There is evidence of practice variation around the country and of patchy availability of certain treatments and procedures. A clinical guideline will help to address these issues and offer guidance on best practice.