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Together we're better - Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Support Community

Together we're better - Prostate Cancer Advocacy Network Support Community

OUI Know

Know there are answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How common is prostate cancer?

A: Every 5 minutes 2 men are diagnosed with it.

Q: If my Grandpa had prostate cancer should I get checked?

A: A man with one close relative with the disease has double the risk. With two close relatives, his risk is five-fold. With three, the chance is 97%. So yes, go get checked.

Q: Can you get bladder cancer from smoking?

A: Smoking is the greatest risk factor. Smokers get bladder cancer twice as often as people who do not smoke.

Q: Are penile implants a good option for treating erectile dysfunction?

A: Implants are one option. The best way to make an informed decision is to meet with a urologist to go over your current health conditions and learn about all the possibilities. If there are no underlying health concerns, it may simply become a personal preference.

Q: Do you treat interstitial cystitis and urethral stenosis? I have had these for 10 years. Undergoing RIMSO treatments, but so painful I want to stop. Can you help?

A: Yes we do treat these conditions. The best thing to do is make an appoint for a consult.

Q: I had my bladder and prostate revmoved in June because of cancer. I am now impotent is this a permanant problem? Is the any thing I can do reverse this problem?

A: Most doctors say it can take up to a 12-18 months before you may see improvements if any after having your prostate removed. Due to the fact that you had to have your bladder removed as well there may be more complications. It would be best for you to consult with your urologist regarding these concerns.

Q: My 15 yr old daughter was just diagnosed by MRI with a urethral diverticulum mass. It is pushing out of her vaginal opening. She could not get in for an appt for a couple of weeks and we are wondering what the nexts steps will be on treating this problem. She is very anxious and I would like to be able to talk with her about things in preparation for our doctor visit.

A: As for your daughters office visit, she is most likely going to have a pelvic exam first. Then a cystoscopy (maybe at another visit). Then you, your daughter and the doctor will discuss her options.

Q: My dad had his catheter taken out today 3 weeks after lap turp surgery for partial removal of his prostrate , he was urinating fine 6 hours ago but had to go back er to get catheter put back in what could be the problem , is this normal?

A: As far as a complications go this isn't uncommon. What you should do is follow up with the doctor that preformed the surgery.

Q: My husband who is 34 years old has just been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate. Is this unusual for his age? We feel like the doctor has just given us the diagnosis, put him on Flomax, and that's that. He goes for a PSA next week. But obviously we have more questions, and we want to ask the right ones when he sees his doctor next visit. Are there any concerns we should have because he is so young? Nothing online discusses enlarged prostate at this age- just over 40 or 50.

A: It is hard to know what the cause of your husband's enlarged prostate is without a doctor's visit/medical records. A few things the doctor would have you look into is a possible high riding bladder neck, and the shape of the prostate. At his age, sometimes it's the shape of the prostate and not actually the size that may be causing problems.

Q: I am writing primarily out of concern over over steadily high PSA levels and suffering from phimosis (self diagnosed). The levels have been increasing over the last 3 years (5.2 May of 2007, 5.5 in November 2007, 9.2 in November 2008). I am a 55-year-old Hispanic male. Outside from lower back pain, I do not have any of the other symptoms for advanced prostate cancer. My doctor at PeaceHealth suggested I see a urologist. The catch, I am on Bridge Assistance with PeaceHealth and the only insurance I have is through the Oregon Plan. Should I worry about either of the conditions (prostate/phimosis) or should I make an appointment to come in to be checked taking into consideration my very limited financial resources?

A: Your PSA levels are higher than the normal ranges given for lab values. Have you talked to your primary care doctor about what may be causing this elevation? If your doctor is concerned about prostate cancer, the sooner you get treatment for this condition, the better the outcome. As for phimosis, it will most likely not get better without treatment. Both conditions do need to be addressed and our business office does try to work with people on OHP and Bridge assistance to get the treatment that they need.

Q: I was just diagnosed with bladder cancer. Is there a website you recommend to learn more about it?

A: One great resource is the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network. It not only has great info, it offers an on-line community. The website is www.bcan.org.

We also offer a bladder cancer support group at our Radiation Center Building. It meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month 5:30 -7:00 pm.

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