About prostate care
When you choose Ascension Illinois in Chicagoland, you get a team of experienced and compassionate doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer and other male genital cancers. Our care teams share best practices and the latest in cancer treatment and research – bringing the best of cancer care to you. Every appointment with your oncologist or urology care team starts with a conversation that focuses on you. Your doctor answers your questions and gets to know you. So, you get a personalized cancer care plan. And with a plan, comes hope. We will help you navigate your care and will be by your side every step of the way, connecting the dots. Our goal is to help you get back to your daily life sooner.
When you’re going through urologic cancer, we’re by your side
Along the way, your care may require imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, respiratory therapy, physical therapy or other specialists — you do not have to navigate your care alone. Upon your cancer diagnosis, or when you come to us during your cancer care, you’re paired with a cancer care team.
We offer an extended care team for emotional support — chaplain, palliative care specialist and oncology-certified social worker. Our healing garden and chapel are always open for you and your loved ones. Other services include:
- Cancer rehabilitation and pelvic therapy
- Financial aid counselors
- Nutritionists
- Oncology-trained pharmacists
- Patient and caregiver support groups
Screenings to help detect prostate cancer early
Getting regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening may help find cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Early detection may allow for more options for treatment, too. Talk with your doctor about the screenings right for you based on your age, family history, smoking history and other risk factors. If you have been previously diagnosed with cancer or are in remission, screenings may be an ongoing part of your cancer care. Talk with your doctor about the right timing for ongoing screenings. If you need help finding a doctor, start here.
Types of urologic cancer
Your doctors and care team deliver a customized care plan for your cancer. Our goal is to identify the tumor and deliver comprehensive care for your type of cancer, including:
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney (renal) cancers
- Penile cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Testicular cancer
Symptoms of urologic cancers
Prostate tumors are usually found because of urinary discomfort and weak or interrupted urination flow that gets worse over time, especially at night. Other prostate symptoms may include:
- Dark colored (blood) in urine or semen
- Discomfort urinating, difficulty starting or holding urine back
- Erectile dysfunction, pain
- Pain in back, hips and pelvis that doesn’t go away
- Weak urine stream or interruption of stream
There are at least five different types of prostate cancer, from slow-growing to aggressive, fast-growing cancer, including metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). If you are diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, your doctor may recommend observation and a routine blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen in your blood. An elevated PSA level can mean prostate cancer tumor growth.
Testicular cancer is associated with swollen, painful testicles.
Penile cancer symptoms include a rash or sore that won’t heal. Talk to a doctor or find one near you if you are experiencing symptoms. Do not delay care.
A team approach that helps navigate appointments and support services
Along the way, your care may require imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, nutrition counseling or other specialists. You do not have to navigate your care alone. From your first consultation and throughout your ongoing care, you and your doctor will stay connected through in-person and virtual visits. When you come into the clinic for your appointments, know that we’re maintaining strict precautions to keep you safe in our care.
Stay connected with your cancer care navigator
Your care team will help you schedule appointments, connect you with other services and answer your questions. When you have a concern or feel unsure, don’t hesitate to talk with your cancer care navigator and ask your questions.
Ask about virtual care (telehealth or online) appointments for your first consultation and as part of your ongoing care. You can have these virtual visits from the comfort of your home. You'll be able to talk with your doctor one-on-one via video from your phone or computer and get the care that's right for you.