A Scandinavian study provides first compelling evidence in favor of aggressive treatment in possible cases of prostate cancer. In the past, doctors have often recommended a policy of "watchful waiting", rather than surgery. The study, which was led by Dr. Anna Bill-Axelso of University Hospital in Uppsala, Sweden found that surgery cut the patient death rate by about fifty percent. That makes it seem likely that surgery will become the recommended option for younger men suspected of having the cancer. Many doctors had argued for a more conservative approach because of the often unpleasant side-effects involved with the surgery, which include incontinence and non-treatable sexual dysfunction.
For more on prostate surgery
- see this story from the New York Times