Advanced care for prostate and male genital cancer

When you choose cancer centers and urology clinics at Ascension sites of care, you get a care team that is part of a national network. Our experienced cancer doctors share best practices and the latest in prostate and male genital cancer treatment and research – bringing the best of cancer care to you. Every appointment with your oncologist or urology care team starts with a compassionate conversation. 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 home, family, life and self sooner.

Men’s health with multidisciplinary cancer specialists

You’ll have a team of men’s health specialists dedicated to both your cancer care and care for the whole you – your physical and emotional health. Your doctor and care team at Ascension sites of care provide advanced tests to diagnose and treat all types of prostate cancer and genital cancers. Our goal is to pinpoint the tumor and deliver comprehensive care for your type of cancer, including:

Prostate cancer – 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 (PSA) in your blood. An elevated PSA level may be an indicator of prostate cancer tumor growth.

Testicular cancer – Types of testicular cancer include germ cell tumors, stromal cell tumors and lymphoma that starts in the testicles.

Penile cancer – Primary types of penile cancer are skin cancers (basal cells, squamous cell or melanoma) but may also include sarcomas in the blood vessels or connective tissue.

Your care may include minimally invasive procedures, urologic surgery and therapeutic treatment options from a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including urologists (surgeons), medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, cancer pathologists, and other cancer specialists.     

Diagnosis and treatment for prostate and male genital cancers

Diagnosing prostate cancer or a male genital tumor starts with a comprehensive exam. Ascension sites of care have urology clinics close to home. Talk to your primary care doctor or a urologist about your symptoms. Find a doctor.

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:

• Blood in urine or semen
• Difficulty emptying bladder
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Pain in the back, hips or groin that doesn’t go away
• Painful ejaculation

Testicular cancer is associated with swollen, painful gonads. Penile cancer symptoms include a rash or sore that won’t heal. 

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.

Male genital cancer care with enhanced recovery options

If your care plan includes surgery, urologists at Ascension sites of care use the latest surgical techniques, including nerve-sparing surgery (prostatectomy), to help improve your recovery. Your care team may also refer to enhanced recovery pathways as part of your urologic surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs.  Each recovery pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatments to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.  

Across our network, we offer high-tech radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted treatment options for many types of prostate and male reproductive cancer delivered by highly trained specialists, including:

• Anti-androgen therapy (hormone therapy)
• Brachytherapy (radioactive seeds planted in the prostate)
• Chemotherapy and immunotherapy
• High-resolution MR prostate exams
• MRI-guided biopsy
• Non-metastatic CRPC targeted medication therapies
• Pelvic floor therapy (for urinary incontinence)
• PSMA PET/CT imaging for targeted mCRPC treatments
• Robotic prostate surgery

If you want to learn more about other possible options, talk to your doctor. You may want to ask whether cancer clinical trials are the right option for your care.

Team approach helps navigate tests and support services

Along the way, your care may require imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, physical therapy, supportive palliative care, spiritual care and other specialists – you do not have to navigate your care alone. Your care team will help you schedule appointments, and connect you with specialists who help manage urinary incontinence and sexual function concerns after having prostate surgery. 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. And your entire care team discusses your treatment and progress. As your care needs change, we’re ready to support you.

PSA screening helps detect prostate cancer early

Getting regular men’s health physicals and cancer screenings may help find prostate cancer early, when it is most treatable. There may be more options for treatment too. Talk with your doctor about the PSA blood test, a screening available to men based on your age, family history, smoking history and other risk factors. If you need help finding a doctor, start here.

Get a second opinion on your prostate or male genital cancer diagnosis or care plan

Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension sites of care. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.

When you are facing a new diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.

Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.

Financial assistance and support is available

We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.