Prostate cancer care

Oncologists at Ascension Wisconsin provide advanced care for prostate and male genital cancer.

Prostate cancer care in Wisconsin

Care from men’s health specialists for male genital cancer at Ascension Wisconsin.

Prostate cancer care in Wisconsin

When you choose Ascension Wisconsin you get a team of experienced and compassionate doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of 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 urology or oncology 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.

Understanding prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and when detected early, it is often highly treatable. It is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in the prostate, a small gland that helps produce seminal fluid.

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 can mean prostate cancer tumor growth.

Prostate cancer symptoms

Symptoms of prostate cancer 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 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.

How we diagnose prostate cancer

Diagnosing prostate cancer or a male genital tumor starts with a comprehensive exam. Talk to your primary care doctor or a urologist about your symptoms. Prostate tumors are usually found because of PSA blood test screening, but can sometimes also be found because of urinary discomfort and weak or interrupted urination flow that gets worse over time, especially at night. Imaging is often used to better evaluate the prostate and identify areas that may need further testing.

If you are high-risk or have a family history of cancer, we deliver genetic screening, testing and counseling to help you and your doctor better understand your risk for developing cancer.

This noninvasive imaging provides details of your prostate that helps your oncologist detect cancer, its location and diagnose the cancer’s progression stage. This exam uses advanced technology that may reduce the need for a biopsy.

This MRI-guided prostate biopsy combines advanced imaging with precision targeting to help accurately diagnose prostate cancer. This approach allows our care teams to identify and sample concerning areas of the prostate more effectively while reducing unnecessary biopsies.

Getting regular PSA screening* may help find cancer early, when it is most treatable. Early detection may allow for more options for treatment too. Talk with your doctor about screenings that are 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.

*A PSA test may be covered by various insurance plans as well as Medicare Part B, if you meet certain qualifications. But you will need a referral from your doctor.

The cells of the prostate gland make the protein called PSA. This blood test will help your doctor look for high PSA levels, which could mean you have prostate cancer or another prostate condition.

How we treat prostate cancer

Cancer specialists who know you and your condition review your treatment and progress. They work together to customize your overall care plan, to provide care navigation, and support your physical well-being and mental and emotional health. Ascension Wisconsin offers comprehensive cancer care, including:

This treatment works by blocking or lowering male hormones that can fuel cancer growth. The therapy is personalized to your needs and may include medications, hormone injections and close monitoring to manage cancer progression and side effects.

This radiation treatment is given directly into your body as close to the cancer as possible, and allows your oncologists to use a higher dose of radiation over a shorter period of time.The radiation is given using tiny devices, such as wires, seeds or rods filled with radioactive materials. These devices are called implants that help manage radiation damage to the nearby cells.

This treatment is a part of your urologic surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each recovery path is personalized for different types of cancer treatments, to help speed up your recovery after surgery and return to daily life. Your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.

Non-metastatic CRPC is a type of prostate cancer that no longer responds to standard hormone therapy. To treat the cancer it needs a therapy medication focused on slowing the cancer progression. Our care teams use advanced androgen receptor inhibitors to help delay metastasis and support quality of life.

This surgery removes the whole prostate gland and some nearby tissue that is infected by the cancer. The surgeon can do this using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted technology.

This noninvasive treatment uses radiation to target tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This treatment is also completed in fewer sessions than other radiation therapies.

Surgeons specialize in endoscopic and robotic-assisted technology to make smaller, more precise incisions to remove tumors.

If surgery is recommended as part of your care plan, urologists and surgeons at Ascension Wisconsin use the latest surgical techniques, including nerve-sparing surgery.

Clinical trials

If you want to learn more about other cancer care options or would like to participate in one of our ongoing clinical trials, talk to your doctor to see what is available for you.

How to get prostate cancer care

stethoscope

You do not have to navigate your care alone. Your care navigator will help you schedule appointments, connect with other services and support groups, and answer your questions. From your first consultation and throughout your ongoing care, you and your care team 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.

Ask if a virtual visit is an option for your care.

Our locations that treat prostate cancer

Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s — Prospect Medical Commons

Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Milwaukee — Water Tower Medical Commons

Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee — Seton Professional Building, Mequon

Ascension Wisconsin SE — Mayfair Road

Ascension Wisconsin Healthy Lifestyle Village, Brown Deer

Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin, Main Street, Neenah

Get a second opinion for prostate cancer

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 for breast cancer at Ascension Wisconsin. 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.

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

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. Call an Ascension Wisconsin hospital near you. Learn more about our financial assistance program.

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

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