You’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer – here’s what’s next and how we can help you.

A prostate cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. For many men and their families, the first days and weeks after hearing the words “you have prostate cancer” are filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and questions about what comes next. Many patients ask themselves the same question after a prostate cancer diagnosis: now what?

The good news is that many forms of prostate cancer are highly treatable, especially with early prostate cancer detection. Just as importantly, you do not have to navigate this process alone. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago helps patients and families throughout every stage of the journey, from diagnosis and education to treatment support, recovery, and survivorship.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, seeking a second opinion, trying to better understand your pathology report, or looking for emotional support, our organization provides resources designed to help you make informed and confident decisions. Through our support groups, educational programs, physician connections, and community outreach throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas, we help patients find clarity and reassurance during a difficult time.

About Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Early detection is the key to curing prostate cancer. Men should have a yearly prostate cancer screening, including a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. Since the risk of developing prostate cancer before age 50 is low, many experts recommend that the average man begin annual prostate cancer screenings at age 50. African-American men and men with a family history of the disease should begin testing at age 40.

Risk factors for prostate cancer may include age, race, genetics, and family history. Understanding your personal prostate cancer risk and maintaining regular screenings can help support early diagnosis and treatment.

The PSA blood test is the primary screening tool used to help detect prostate cancer at an early age. PSA, or Prostate Specific Antigen, is an enzyme produced by the prostate gland and measured through a PSA test. It is normal to have small amounts of this enzyme in the bloodstream, so an elevated PSA alone does not necessarily indicate cancer. It may indicate non-cancerous conditions such as prostate inflammation, infection, or trauma.

If PSA results are elevated or otherwise concerning, your physician may recommend additional evaluation. Depending on your individual circumstances, this may include repeat PSA testing, imaging studies such as MRI, a digital rectal exam (DRE), or other diagnostic assessments to better understand the cause of the elevated PSA level.

A doctor will evaluate these prostate cancer screening tests or other evaluations and may recommend a prostate biopsy. Most physicians use an ultrasound-guided technique to remove several small pieces of prostate tissue for microscopic examination. This is usually an office procedure performed under local anesthesia.

Newer biopsy techniques include stereotactic transperineal prostate biopsy (STPB), where specimens are obtained through the Perineum rather than the rectum.

What Happens Immediately After a Diagnosis?

After receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis, many patients assume they need to make treatment decisions immediately. In most cases, however, there is time to gather information, ask questions, and carefully evaluate your options before moving forward.

Your doctor will likely discuss several important factors that help determine the severity and characteristics of your cancer, including:

• PSA level
• Gleason score
• grade Group
• Imaging or scan results
• Prostate cancer stages and risk group classifications
• Whether the cancer appears localized or has spread
• Your age, overall health, and medical history

These details help physicians determine the stage and risk category of the cancer and guide treatment recommendations. Depending on the diagnosis, recommendations may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or other forms of prostate cancer treatment.

For some men, active surveillance may be appropriate, particularly when the cancer appears slow-growing. Others may require more immediate cancer treatment. Patients diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer or metastatic prostate cancer may need additional specialists and long-term treatment planning.

At this stage, many men benefit from slowing down, organizing information, and seeking support before making major decisions. It is also common to seek a second opinion, especially when evaluating different treatment recommendations from specialists. Learn more about prostate cancer treatments on our website.

Understanding the Emotional Side of Diagnosis

A cancer diagnosis affects more than physical health. It can impact emotional well-being, relationships, work, finances, and family life. Many men struggle with fear of the unknown or concerns about side effects and quality of life.

Speaking with other men who have gone through prostate cancer can provide reassurance and perspective that medical appointments alone often cannot offer. Hearing firsthand experiences about treatment decisions, recovery, and life after cancer treatment can help patients feel less isolated and more prepared.

Some patients may have concerns about urinary symptoms or sexual function following treatment. Having honest conversations with physicians, survivors, and support groups can help patients better understand what to expect.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago works to ensure that no patient feels alone during this process. Through our support groups and community resources, patients and caregivers can connect with others who understand what they are experiencing.

Finding the Right Treatment Team

One of the most important steps after diagnosis is finding physicians and specialists you trust. Depending on your situation, your care team may include:

• Urologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Medical oncologists
• Primary care physicians
• Imaging specialists

Prostate cancer treatment decisions can vary based on individual circumstances, so it is often helpful to consult more than one specialist before choosing a treatment option. We can help patients identify resources, locate experienced specialists, and better understand the treatment options in Chicago and surrounding communities. Our goal is not to push patients toward a particular treatment, but rather to help them make informed decisions based on reliable cancer information and personal priorities.

Patients are encouraged to ask questions such as:

• What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option?
• How might treatment affect urinary, bowel, or sexual function?
• Is active surveillance an option for my diagnosis?
• What is the expected recovery time?
• Are there newer technologies or clinical trial opportunities available?

How the Chicago Prostate Cancer Foundation Can Help

We understand that every prostate cancer patient’s experience is different. Some men need help understanding treatment options. Others are seeking emotional support, second opinions, or connections with local specialists. Many families want someone knowledgeable to talk to while navigating unfamiliar decisions after a cancer diagnosis.

At Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago, we offer:

• Patient education resources
• Guidance for treatment options
• Access to support groups
• Community outreach programs
• Educational and informational meetings
• Opportunities to hear from survivors and caregivers
• Ongoing support for patients and families throughout treatment and recovery

Our support groups and informational meetings create opportunities for patients to connect with physicians, survivors, caregivers, and community members in a welcoming environment.

You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone

Receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis can change your life, but it does not define your future. With accurate information, experienced medical care, and a strong support system, many men go on to live full and active lives after treatment. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago is committed to helping patients and families throughout every step of the journey. Whether you need education, emotional support, treatment guidance, or community resources, we are here to help.

If you have questions about testing, next steps, support groups, or anything else, call the Foundation at 630.248.0717 to get the information you are looking for. You can also email us at info@chicagoprostatefoundation.org.