Prostate Cancer Care
When you have cancer, you need a team of strong support. A diagnosis of prostate cancer can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. We are here for you every step of the way through your journey of diagnosis and treatment.
Cancer treatments have progressed significantly in recent years and survivor rates have increased as a result.
Coordinated Team Approach
We provide coordinated care that includes the latest treatments in surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Each patient is an important and active part of his care team. Our goal is for patients to be involved in all decisions related to care and to always know the next step.
We want to help you feel healthy again. In addition to the critical medical treatments you will receive, we offer health and wellness services that treat the whole body and mind, promoting physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual healing.
On this page, learn more about prostate cancer, our services, and what you can expect during your treatment journey. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at 231-392-8400 or CancerServices@mhc.net.
What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a gland that lies just below the bladder in front of the rectum. It produces fluid that forms part of semen.
Almost all prostate cancers begin in the cells that make fluid. This type of cancer is called adenocarcinoma.
Other – more rare – types of prostate cancer include sarcomas, small cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, and transitional cell carcinomas.
Most types of prostate cancers grow slowly, although some can grow and spread quickly.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States after skin cancer.
Risk Factors
- African ancestry
- Certain inherited genetic conditions
- Family history of the disease
- Increasing age
Studies indicate that obesity and smoking do not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer but may increase the chance of developing a more aggressive form of the disease.
Learn More
- American Cancer Society
- National Cancer Institute
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network - Patient and Caregiver Resources
- Could it be Prostate Cancer?
What to Expect
Diagnosis
Cancer treatment begins with a diagnosis. Through testing, your care team will determine your type of cancer. These test results will help us develop an individualized treatment plan for you.
We understand that this phase can be very difficult as you are waiting for answers. Our goal is to move you through the diagnostic process as quickly as possible in order to minimize the emotional strain.
Your Treatment Plan
We offer a coordinated approach to care that varies based on your specific needs.
Your case may be discussed at our weekly Tumor Board meetings. This is a multidisciplinary team of physicians and support staff that discusses patients’ care plans and makes recommendations for multiple types of cancer.
After testing and consultations are complete, your urologist will explain to you the type, stage, and characteristics of the cancer and discuss treatment. You may be referred to a medical oncologist and or radiation oncologist depending on your needs and care plan.
Treatment for your cancer will depend on whether it is slow growing or aggressive. Other factors that impact treatment decisions include your age and other health conditions.
Our physicians provide the latest in treatments. When more complex treatments are necessary, we work closely with specialists across the state and nation.
Your treatment plan may include a combination or one of the following approaches: surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Health and Wellness at the Cowell Family Cancer Center
We believe that everything matters in cancer treatment.
The Health and Wellness Suite at the Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City offers space for physical, emotional and spiritual healing through integrative therapies, meditation, exercise, nutrition and the arts.
Services are available for patients, staff, family members, caregivers and the community.
Services include:
- Art and music therapy
- Integrative therapies
- Nutrition
- Resources and learning center
- Stress reduction and spiritual health
Meet our Care Team
Our team of specialists provides screening, diagnosis, and treatment for prostate cancer. Your care team may include:
Urologist: A urologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system.
Radiation Oncologists: Physicians with an expertise in the use of radiation therapy for treating cancer.
Medical Oncologists: Physicians who specialize in using medical methods to treat cancer. Your medical oncologist may diagnose the cancer, choose the appropriate medical treatment method, provide follow-up care, and coordinate palliative care to help ease symptoms.
The Cowell Family Cancer Center Support Team
Our care coordination team is here to support you and usually includes a nurse and nurse practitioner who will ensure that your next steps are planned and communicated.
Our compassionate team also includes a dietitian, a social worker, palliative/supportive care providers, and financial navigators to ensure that your individual needs are addressed.
For more information regarding Cowell Family Cancer Center services or to be transferred to a regional network facility, call 231-392-8400 and speak with one of our resource specialists.
Availability of support services varies according to the specific regional cancer network location.
Treatment Locations
Cowell Family Cancer Center
You can find treatment and resources for prostate cancer at our Cowell Family Cancer Center on the Munson Medical Center campus in Traverse City. This state-of-the-art cancer center opened in 2016 and provides most cancer services including diagnosis, treatment, integrative therapies, follow-up, and supportive care.
Other Locations
Medical oncology follow up visits and chemotherapy may be available to you close to home through our regional cancer network.
Clinical Trials for Prostate Cancer
Clinical trials are studies that involve people and are the final research step in a long process that begins with lab research. You may want to consider participating in a clinical trial.
Depending on the clinical trial, part of your care may need to occur in Traverse City.
We have participated in cancer clinical trials for over 30 years through the National Cancer Institute. This program offers our patients the chance to participate in large, national research trials while remaining at home in northern Michigan.
To learn more about clinical trials for prostate cancer, visit these websites or talk to your doctor: