Your UF Health prostate cancer team includes urologic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and pathologists. We work with you to develop the best course of action for your specific diagnosis, always keeping your goals and preferences in mind.
What is the process when coming to the prostate cancer clinic?
Our patients come to us at every stage of their prostate cancer. Whether we treat you from the start or offer a second opinion, our goal is the same: get you back to living your life fully without the worry of prostate cancer. Depending on where a patient is on their diagnosis and treatment journey we will recommend a individualized treatment plan.
The first step in diagnosing prostate cancer is evaluating a PSA test. If the PSA level is elevated, we recommend a prostate biopsy. At UF Health we offer the most advanced prostate biopsy techniques such as our MRI Fusion Prostate Biopsy Program and transperineal biopsies.
After testing, biopsy and potential further exploration is completed, we will determine the type of prostate cancer and whether it is localized and advanced.
Whether your prostate cancer is localized or advanced, we offer the latest treatments available for prostate cancer and have a multidisciplinary team that works together to treat not only the cancer, but you as whole.
What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
Your UF Health prostate cancer team that includes urologic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and pathologists, works with you to develop the best course of action. We aim to keep your goals and preferences in mind.
Depending on the grade and stage of your cancer, as well as your overall health, treatment may include:
Active surveillance
Robotic surgery, including both traditional and outpatient prostatectomies
These treatment types are often combined to treat our patients’ prostate cancer effectively. Additionally, our prostate cancer team at the UF Health actively participates in the latest clinical trials and are a part of new discoveries that advance the field of prostate cancer care.
Our urological cancer experts are staying at the forefront of prostate cancer care by offering the latest treatments such as HIFU focal therapy, outpatient robotic prostatectomies and systematic radioisotope therapy like PLUVICTO.
About 1 in 8 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime with 1 in 41 dying of the disease.
The incidence of prostate cancer increases with age. Approximately 65% of all cases are diagnosed in men 65 years and older. Prostate cancer is rare in men under 40. Well-established risk factors include:
Older age: The average age of men when they are first diagnosed is about 66.
Family history: Especially multiple first-degree male relatives who were diagnosed with prostate cancer at a younger age.
Race: African Americans are at greater risk of developing prostate cancer as compared to other races and often at an earlier age and with higher grade cancers.
Genetic mutations and syndromes:
BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations especially gene mutation 2, which are associated with breast and ovarian cancers, can also increase the risk of developing prostate cancer in men.
Patients with the inheritable condition called Lynch syndrome. or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, are at risk of many cancers, including prostate cancer in men.
Geography: Prostate cancer is most common in North America, northwestern Europe, Australia and on the Caribbean islands.
Other potential risk factors associated prostate cancer include a diet high in saturated fat and dairy, obesity as well as exposure to Agent Orange.
UF Health Urology is ranked in the highest category for prostate cancer surgery by U.S. News & World Report.
A Cancer Center Designated by the National Cancer Institute
The UF Health Cancer Center received designation from the NCI because of the exceptional, multidisciplinary care the Cancer Center delivers to patients and the leading-edge clinical research conducted by its faculty. Our providers across the spectrum of cancer care work together to provide personalized care to each individual patient. Cases are presented at weekly tumor boards which are attended by physicians across multiple departments, so they can work together to develop the best treatment plan possible.
UF Health Urology Medical Plaza
UF Health Urology – Medical Plaza offers the full spectrum of prostate cancer care, including urologic surgeons, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist, all in one location. Our expert physicians will discuss a personalized care plan with each patient.
UF Health Radiation Oncology – Davis Cancer Pavillion
Radiation Oncology at UF Health – Davis Cancer Pavilion in Gainesville provides advanced therapies for prostate cancer. New technologies include PLUVICTO for advanced prostate cancer and MRI-based imaging with SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel placement in a 20-day Moderate Hypofractionated accelerated course of treatment. Learn more about our leading-edge technologies that minimize side effects and promote quality of life for prostate cancer patients.
An additional treatment option for some prostate cancer patients is proton therapy. The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute is the first and leading proton therapy facility in the Southeast. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, our expert physicians have treated more than 10,000 patients and over 20 cancer types, helping patients around the world achieve excellent success and quality of life.
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