Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer treatment in Denver

At HealthONE, we understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. This is why our prostate cancer team is dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate cancer care.

We provide you continued support throughout your cancer journey—from initial diagnosis and staging through treatment and survivorship.

For more information about cancer diagnosis, treatment and other services, call askSARAH at(303) 253-3225.

Comprehensive prostate cancer care

Within the HealthONE family of hospitals, our prostate cancer experts use a team approach to cancer care and urologic care. They focus on accurately diagnosing, staging (determining extent of spread) and treating prostate cancer with both minimally invasive surgeries and non-surgical therapies. Our cancer team includes, oncologists, radiation therapists and urologists.

Prostate cancer screening

We know that prevention is the best medicine, which is why our cancer care doctors recommend preventive screenings for prostate cancer. Based on the recommendations of the American Urologic Association, we choose to use prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing to do this.

PSA, a type of protein, is made in the prostate gland and is released into the bloodstream. A PSA test measures the levels of PSA in the blood and produces the following test results:

• Positive—With a positive test result, the patient has raised levels of PSA and is likely to be diagnosed with cancer.
• Negative—With a negative test result, the PSA levels are normal, indicating there is likely no cancer.

Sometimes, the results of this test may require you to have further testing to get an accurate diagnosis. You can talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of a PSA screening to make an informed decision for your prostate health.

Prostate cancer risk factors

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, certain risk factors are linked to the disease.

These risk factors include:

• Being an African American male
• Being 55 years old or older
• Family history of prostate cancer diagnosed at a young age
• Family history of prostate cancer, especially father or brother
• High-fat diet

Diagnosing prostate cancer

Our teams use the following tests and imaging procedures to diagnose prostate cancer:

• PSA blood test
• Transrectal biopsy
• Ultrasound

Treatments for prostate cancer

Fortunately, there are many treatment options for prostate cancer. Depending on your medical history, your treatment plan may include one or more of the following therapies:

• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Traditional prostatectomy
• Transurethral resection of the prostate

Robotic surgery for prostate cancer

We offer minimally invasive robot-assisted prostatectomies. This procedure involves removing the prostate and the seminal vesicles, and then reattaching the urethra to the bladder.

Traditionally, a prostatectomy is an invasive procedure that leaves a large scar. With robot-assisted surgery, surgeons have increased precision and maneuverability of the robotic system. This means surgeons can perform the procedure with greater ease, while avoiding nerve damage that can lead to life-altering incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Minimally invasive surgery decreases the patient's average hospital stay from three nights to one.