Just Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer? Ask These 10 Questions Before You Do Anything

Have You Been Given a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Feel Pressured to Act Fast?

Being told you have prostate cancer is one of the most emotionally charged moments in a man's life. I know—because I've sat across from thousands of men in that exact moment over my decades of practice in Fort Lauderdale. The word "cancer" lands like a punch to the chest. It pulls you into a mental tailspin of what-ifs and what-now scenarios.

But here's the truth that too few doctors will tell you: You have time. You have options. And you deserve clarity before making any decision that could change your life forever.

In my book Fight Cancer Like a Man, I call this the power of pause—the ability to step back, ask better questions, and build a strategy before reacting to fear. As a physician who has helped men navigate prostate health challenges for over three decades, I've seen too many rush into irreversible treatments without understanding their true options.

Below are the ten essential questions I recommend every man ask before accepting a biopsy, scheduling surgery, or agreeing to radiation therapy.

10 Critical Questions to Ask After Your Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

1. What Is My Actual Risk of Dying from This Prostate Cancer?

Not every prostate cancer is deadly. In fact, most prostate cancers are slow-growing and will never leave the prostate gland. You may live with it for decades without it affecting your lifespan—you may die with it, but not from it.

Understanding your actual mortality risk helps you make informed decisions rather than fear-based ones. Many men undergo aggressive treatments for cancers that would never have threatened their lives.

What to ask specifically:

• What percentage of men with my exact diagnosis die from prostate cancer?
• What's my 10-year survival rate with and without treatment?
• How does my age factor into this prognosis?

2. Is There Any Evidence This Cancer Has Spread Outside the Prostate?

If your cancer hasn't spread beyond the prostate gland, there's typically no medical emergency requiring immediate action. Cancer that remains confined to the prostate can often be observed, monitored, and in many cases, even addressed through alternative approaches—without surgery, radiation, or hormone-blocking treatments.

Key follow-up questions:

• What imaging studies confirm the cancer is localized?
• Have lymph nodes or other areas been checked?
• What's the likelihood of spread based on my specific case?

3. What Will This Recommended Treatment Do to My Quality of Life?

This question requires direct, honest answers about the real consequences of treatment. Don't accept vague responses—demand specific statistics.

Ask your doctor specifically:

• Will I lose sexual function permanently, and what are the exact percentages?
• Will I experience urinary incontinence, and for how long?
• Will I have incomplete or "dry" orgasms after treatment?
• What are the actual statistical odds of these outcomes in men my age?
• Are these side effects reversible, and if so, when?

If your doctor can't answer these questions with specific data, that's a significant red flag.

4. Do I Actually Need a Prostate Biopsy—Or Is There Another Way to Evaluate My Condition?

In Fight Cancer Like a Man, I make this position clear: I do not recommend prostate biopsies in most cases. They're traumatic procedures that are often imprecise and carry real risks—including bleeding, infection, and the possibility of stimulating cancer cells to spread along needle tracks.

Alternative evaluation methods to discuss:

• Advanced multiparametric MRI imaging
• PSA trend analysis over time rather than single readings
• PHI (Prostate Health Index) scoring
• 4Kscore or similar genetic testing
• PCA3 urine tests

These non-invasive approaches often provide better information without the risks of tissue sampling.

5. What Is My Gleason Score—And What Does It Really Mean?

Many men receive a Gleason score of 6 and are told they have "moderate cancer." This is misleading and often drives unnecessary fear. The truth is that Gleason 6 represents more of a normal age-related change than a lethal disease requiring aggressive intervention.

Important clarifications to request:

• How was this Gleason score determined?
• What percentage of my biopsy samples showed cancer?
• How reliable is this scoring, and could it change?
• What does my specific score mean for my actual prognosis?

6. What Would Happen If I Chose Active Surveillance Instead of Immediate Treatment?

This question about monitoring versus treating often reveals important information about your true prognosis. In many cases, the honest answer is: careful observation may be safer than immediate intervention.

Key points to clarify:

• What would active surveillance involve for my specific case?
• How often would monitoring occur, and what would we track?
• What signs would indicate treatment became necessary?
• What are the outcomes for men who choose surveillance?

Strategic surveillance—when implemented correctly—can be safer and lead to better long-term outcomes than rushing into aggressive treatment.

7. What Are the Long-Term Risks of Surgery or Radiation—Even If Treatment Is "Successful"?

Prostatectomy and radiation are often presented as curative treatments, but they come with permanent consequences that aren't always clearly explained upfront.

Long-term complications to discuss:

• Erectile dysfunction rates at 1, 2, and 5 years post-treatment
• Urinary incontinence severity and duration
• Bowel problems from radiation
• Loss of orgasmic sensation
• Potential for secondary cancers from radiation
• Impact on overall energy and vitality

Ask for specific statistics on these complications and whether treatment will actually extend your life expectancy.

8. Have I Had My Hormone Levels Properly Evaluated?

Hormonal balance plays a critical role in prostate health, yet it's often overlooked in conventional treatment planning. The real problem isn't typically high testosterone—it's hormonal imbalance.

Essential hormone tests to request:

• Total and free testosterone levels
• DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels
• Estradiol and estrogen metabolites
• SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin)
• Insulin and metabolic markers

Addressing hormonal imbalances can sometimes dramatically improve prostate health without invasive treatments.

9. Are There Evidence-Based Alternatives to Control This Cancer?

Yes, there are research-supported alternatives that many doctors don't discuss. In my practice, I work with patients using various approaches backed by emerging research.

Alternative approaches to explore:

• Targeted nutritional protocols
• Repurposed medications with anti-cancer properties
• Lifestyle modifications that impact cancer progression
• Supplement regimens based on current research
• Stress reduction and immune system support

These approaches focus on controlling cancer growth without the devastating side effects of conventional treatments.

10. Am I Making This Decision Based on Fear or Clear Thinking?

This may be the most important question of all. Take an honest assessment of your emotional state and decision-making process.

Signs you might be acting from fear:

• Feeling pressured to decide immediately
• Not being given time to research options
• Doctor becomes defensive when you ask questions
• You're told "there's no time to waste"
• Alternative options aren't discussed

Signs of clear decision-making:

• You understand all your options thoroughly
• You've had time to research and reflect
• Your questions are welcomed and answered completely
• You feel supported in exploring alternatives
• You're making choices aligned with your values

Fear drives hasty decisions. Clarity leads to better choices and outcomes you can live with confidently.

Why These Questions Matter: A Fort Lauderdale Physician's Perspective

As a physician practicing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I've worked with men from across South Florida and beyond who were rushed into treatments they later regretted. The conventional medical system often operates on fear and urgency rather than providing men with complete information.

My approach, detailed in Fight Cancer Like a Man, emphasizes comprehensive evaluation, understanding all options, and choosing treatments that preserve quality of life while addressing health concerns effectively.

Too many men in the Fort Lauderdale area and throughout Florida have contacted me after already undergoing treatments that left them with permanent complications—complications that might have been avoided with better initial decision-making.

The Prostate Protocol: Support for Your Journey

For men seeking a comprehensive approach to prostate health beyond conventional treatment options, The Prostate Protocol offers a complete support system designed specifically for this journey.

What The Prostate Protocol Membership Includes:

Monthly Expert Guidance:

• Live Q&A sessions addressing real member questions
• Updates on latest research and treatment developments
• Access to protocols used in clinical practice
• Direct guidance on navigating medical decisions

Evidence-Based Resources:

• Supplement protocols based on current research
• Non-invasive monitoring strategies and biomarker tracking
• Nutritional guidelines for prostate health optimization
• Lifestyle modification plans that can impact outcomes

Community Support:

• Connection with other men facing similar decisions
• Shared experiences and insights from members
• Support for family members navigating this journey
• Access to success stories and hope

Practical Implementation Tools:

• Supplement sourcing and quality guidance
• Integration strategies with conventional care
• Monitoring techniques for tracking progress
• Decision-making frameworks and checklists

Don't Let Fear Drive Your Decisions

A prostate cancer diagnosis doesn't have to mean the end of your quality of life. With the right information, support, and approach, many men successfully navigate this challenge while preserving what matters most to them.

The key is taking time to get educated, ask the right questions, and make decisions from a place of knowledge rather than fear.

Take Action: Join The Prostate Protocol

Whether you're dealing with a new diagnosis, seeking alternatives to conventional treatment, or looking for ongoing support in your prostate health journey, The Prostate Protocol provides the comprehensive resources and community you need.

Ready to approach your prostate health with confidence and comprehensive support?

Join The Prostate Protocol membership today and gain access to:

• Monthly live Q&A sessions with expert guidance
• Evidence-based protocols and supplement strategies
• A supportive community of men on similar journeys
• Resources to help you make informed decisions
• Tools for monitoring and optimizing your health

For men in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area, in-person consultations are available to discuss your specific situation and develop a personalized approach to your prostate health.

Join The Prostate Protocol Membership Today →

Download Your Free Resource: Get the Prostate Cancer Decision-Making Framework to organize your thoughts and prepare for your next medical appointment.

You've been diagnosed. Now it's time to get smart, informed, and strategic—not scared.

— Dr. Stephen Petteruti
Author of Fight Cancer Like a Man

This educational content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers regarding your specific health concerns and treatment options. Individual results may vary.

About Dr. Stephen Petteruti
Dr. Stephen Petteruti is the author of "Fight Cancer Like a Man" and has dedicated over three decades to helping men navigate prostate health challenges. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dr. Petteruti focuses on comprehensive approaches that preserve quality of life while addressing health concerns effectively.