Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide, with approximately 1.4 million new cases diagnosed every year.

It is typically treated with surgery or radiotherapy, but which method is more effective? According to recent studies, the success rate of prostate cancer surgery is higher than radiotherapy for several reasons.

Prostate cancer surgery

Prostate cancer surgery involves removing the prostate gland and sometimes the surrounding tissues, depending on how far the cancer has spread.

This can be done using open surgery or minimally invasive surgery using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques. Studies have shown that the success rate of prostate cancer surgery is high, with a 10-year survival rate of up to 96%.

Risks and complications of prostate cancer surgery

Like any surgery, there are risks and complications associated with prostate cancer surgery. These can include erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and damage to surrounding organs or tissues.

However, recent advances in surgical techniques have reduced the risk of complications, making prostate cancer surgery a viable option for many patients.

Radiotherapy for prostate cancer

Radiotherapy for prostate cancer involves using high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.

This can be done externally, where radiation beams are directed at the prostate gland from outside the body, or internally using radioactive seeds that are implanted into the prostate gland. The success rate of radiotherapy for prostate cancer is generally lower than surgery, with a 10-year survival rate of up to 85%.

Risks and complications of radiotherapy

Like surgery, there are risks and complications associated with radiotherapy. These can include urinary problems, bowel problems, and erectile dysfunction.

Radiotherapy can also increase the risk of other types of cancer, such as bladder or rectal cancer, in the future.

Why is prostate cancer surgery more successful?

There are several reasons why prostate cancer surgery is more successful than radiotherapy:.

Complete removal of cancer: Surgery involves removing the entire prostate gland, which means that all cancer cells are removed. Radiotherapy may not be able to kill all the cancer cells if they are located in areas that are difficult to reach.
Less risk of recurrence: Surgery reduces the risk of cancer recurrence compared to radiotherapy. Recurrence rates after surgery are typically around 10%, compared to 30-40% after radiotherapy.
Faster recovery: Recovering from surgery typically takes 4-6 weeks, whereas radiotherapy can take several months. This means that patients can return to normal activities faster after surgery.
More targeted treatment: Surgery allows for more precise removal of cancerous tissue, whereas radiotherapy can also damage healthy tissue.

Conclusion

Surgery is generally more effective than radiotherapy for treating prostate cancer.

However, each patient’s case is different, and the best treatment option will depend on the stage and severity of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. It is important for patients to discuss their options with their healthcare provider and make an informed decision about their treatment.