Prostate Cancer Care Close to Home
A prostate cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming-but you don't have to face it alone. Our experienced team provides advanced treatment and compassionate support right here in Anderson, SC. Patients from Greenville, Pickens and Oconee counties choose us because we combine leading-edge care with the convenience of staying close to home.
Why Early Detection Matters
Prostate cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, which is why routine screenings are so important. Detecting cancer early gives you more treatment options and better results.
Your doctor may recommend:
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: Measures PSA levels in your blood. High levels can indicate a prostate problem.
- Digital rectal exam (DRE): A quick physical exam to check for changes in the prostate.
If your screening shows something unusual, you may need imaging tests or a biopsy, which removes a small sample of tissue for testing. When prostate cancer is found early, it's often very treatable.
What Happens After Diagnosis
If you're diagnosed with prostate cancer, your care team will stage the cancer-this means determining how advanced it is. Staging helps us create a treatment plan that's right for you.
Your plan will consider:
- Your age and overall health
- How advanced the cancer is
- Possible side effects
- Your personal preferences
Your Treatment Options
You'll have access to a wide range of treatments, including:
- Surgery: Removes tumors or the entire prostate (prostatectomy)
- Robotic-assisted techniques: Offers precision, smaller incisions, and faster recovery.
- Radiation therapy: Targets and destroys cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy: Blocks hormones that fuel prostate cancer growth.
- Chemotherapy: Treats cancer that has spread beyond the prostate.
- Immunotherapy: Helps your immune system fight cancer.
- SpaceOAR®: A soft gel placed between the prostate and rectum to protect healthy tissue during radiation.
- Protects healthy tissue and reduces the risk of side effects such as rectal irritation, bleeding, or long-term bowel problems. The gel stays in place during treatment and gradually dissolves over several months.
- Watchful waiting: For slow-growing cancers, with regular monitoring instead of immediate treatment.
Your doctor will explain each option and help you choose what feels right for you.
Guidance When You Need It Most
You'll have a dedicated nurse navigator who will be your go-to resource-answering questions, coordinating appointments, and supporting you and your family throughout your care.
Support for You and Your Family
A prostate cancer diagnosis can affect every part of your life. It may bring stress, worry, and changes to your daily routine. At AnMed Cancer Center, we provide support to help you cope, stay informed, and maintain your quality of life.
We help you manage the physical and emotional challenges of care. Counseling, classes, and support groups connect you with others and make your journey easier to navigate.
We offer services to support your body, mind and spirit, including:
- Support groups and the Cancer Resource Center: Connect with others and find helpful information when you need it - in person or online.
- Impressions Appearance Shoppe: Get products that help you look and feel your best.
- Counseling and nutrition support: Care for your emotional and physical well-being during treatment.
Lowering Your Risk
While there's no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk:
- Eat a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
- Talk with your doctor about screenings
Care Close to Home
You don't need to travel far for expert prostate cancer care. Our center in Anderson, SC serves patients from Greenville, Pickens, and Oconee counties, offering advanced treatments and compassionate support right in your community.
