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

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. The word cancer lands like a punch to the chest. It pulls you into a mental tailspin of what ifs and what now?

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

1. What is my actual risk of dying from this?

Not every prostate cancer is deadly. In fact, most are slow-growing and will never leave the prostate gland. You may die with it, but not from it. Know your risk before assuming the worst.

2. Is there any evidence this cancer has spread outside the prostate?

If it hasn't, there’s no emergency. Cancer that stays confined to the prostate can often be observed, monitored, and even reversed—without surgery, radiation, or castration.

3. What will this treatment do to my quality of life?

Ask directly:

• Will I lose sexual function?
• Will I be incontinent?
• Will I have a “dry” or incomplete orgasm?
• What are the odds of these outcomes—and how long will they last?

If your doctor can’t answer clearly, that’s a red flag.

4. Do I need a biopsy—or is there another way to evaluate?

In Fight Cancer Like a Man, I make this clear: I do not recommend prostate biopsies. They’re traumatic, imprecise, and carry real risk—including bleeding, infection, and possibly stimulating cancer to spread. Ask if an MRI, PSA trend, or PHI score can give you the information you need without invasive harm.

5. What is my Gleason score—and what does it really mean?

A Gleason score of 6 is often presented as “moderate cancer.” But the truth is, it’s more of a normal age-related change than a lethal disease. Don’t let a misleading number drive you into fear-based decisions.

6. What would happen if I chose to monitor this instead of treating it right away?

In many cases, the answer is: nothing. Strategic surveillance—when done right—can be safer, smarter, and lead to better long-term outcomes than rushing into treatment.

7. What are the long-term risks of radiation or surgery—even if it’s “successful”?

Prostatectomy and radiation may be presented as curative—but they come with permanent consequences. Men often deal with ED, incontinence, and loss of sexual sensation. Is that a price you’re willing to pay for a treatment that may not extend your life?

8. Have I had my testosterone, DHT, and estrogen levels properly evaluated?

Hormonal balance is critical in prostate health. The real problem isn’t high testosterone—it’s imbalance, often with low T and elevated estrogen or DHT. Get a full hormone panel before making treatment decisions.

9. Are there safer alternatives—like repurposed medications or supplements—to control this condition?

Yes. In my practice, I use agents like metformin, atorvastatin, sirolimus, ivermectin, and more—all supported by emerging evidence—to help contain and control prostate cancer without conventional harm.

10. Am I making this decision based on fear… or clarity?

This is perhaps the most important question of all.

Fear drives surgery.
Fear drives radiation.
Fear drives biopsies.

Clarity leads to better choices. And clarity starts with slowing down, asking better questions, and remembering that you—not your diagnosis—are in charge.

Before You Act, Think

Don’t let a PSA number or a five-minute conversation change the course of your life. Download my free Prostate Cancer Decision-Making Framework to organize your thoughts and get the questions you need to bring to your next appointment.

You’ve been diagnosed. Now it’s time to get smart, not scared.

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

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis, trying to avoid a biopsy, or looking for a second opinion, you're not alone.

👉 Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Petteruti to review your labs, imaging, and build a plan that protects your health and your quality of life. 🔗 Book a Consultation here 

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Your next move doesn’t have to be radical—it just has to be strategic.