Treatment for prostate cancer can often result in bothersome side effects, but with patience, specialized evaluation and treatment, men can still go on to “live their best lives.”
Dr. Richard Kershen, a reconstructive urologist with Hartford HealthCare’s Tallwood Urology & Kidney Institute, said the major focus after a prostate cancer diagnosis is eliminating the disease through surgical removal of the prostate gland or radiation therapy.
For some who undergo therapy, however, bothersome side effects resulting from treatment may occur. Up to 75 percent of men who undergo surgery for prostate cancer will experience some degree of urinary incontinence. Others, 25 percent to 40 percent, will struggle with erectile dysfunction.
Yet Dr. Kershen suggested a variety of ways to overcome each condition. He will talk about that and more in “Prostate Cancer: Living Your Best Life after Treatment,” a free webinar scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 6:30-8 p.m.
“There is no reason a man should avoid necessary prostate cancer treatment because of fear of these possible outcomes,” Dr. Kershen said. “And, there is no reason men should suffer with incontinence or erectile dysfunction after successful treatment. We are here to let both men and their partners know that we will help in whatever way possible. Our goal is always to restore confidence and quality of life for our patients.”
His talk will cover:
- The reason urinary incontinence and/or erectile dysfunction could happen after treatment for prostate cancer.
- How urologists evaluate post-prostate cancer treatment patients for side effects.
- Self-help, medical and surgical therapies.
- The latest and most effective procedures designed to remedy each situation.
“There are many ways we can help with these conditions once the cancer is removed,” Dr. Kershen said. “Many treatments do not require surgery and, if those don’t work, there are cutting-edge, advanced surgical procedures that can help.”
To sign up for the webinar, which will include a facilitated group discussion about living with the diagnosis of prostate cancer, click here or call 1.855.HHC.HERE (855.442.4373). Log-in instructions will be sent after registration.