Prostate Cancer - What You Need to Know

Prostate cancer often develops silently and unnoticed – early action can significantly reduce risks and help protect your health.
The topic of prostate cancer can cause uncertainty or fear for many men – and that is completely understandable. I would like to calmly explain what prostate cancer is, how it is detected, and the ways it can be successfully treated.

Dr. med. Daniel Seiler

15. January 2026

What is the prostate —and what happens in prostate cancer?

The prostate is a small gland, about the size of a walnut. It is located directly below the bladder and produces part of the seminal fluid.

This organ changes with age—sometimes harmlessly (as in benign enlargement), but sometimes in the form of a malignant tumor, i.e., prostate cancer.

The good news is that if the tumor is detected early, the chances of recovery are extremely good.

Why does prostate cancer develop?

There is no clear-cut answer to this question. However, there are a few factors that can increase the risk:

  • The risk increases significantly with age.
  • If your father or brother has the disease, your own risk is higher.
  • Certain genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1/2) may also play a role.

Which symptoms should you take seriously?

Prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms in its early stages. Many men do not notice anything for a long time—which is precisely what makes the disease so insidious. Only when the tumor has progressed further may possible signs appear, for example:

  • Problems urinating (weak urine stream, frequent or nocturnal urination)
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Pain in the pelvic area or spine
  • Unintentional weight loss or general feeling of illness

Since these symptoms often appear late, it is not possible to detect prostate cancer at an early stage based on symptoms alone. That is why screening is so important: only regular check-ups with a urologist can detect cancer at an early stage, long before it causes any symptoms.

How does early detection work?

I always tell my patients: "Better to be examined once too early than once too late."

I recommend that men aged 45 and over (or 40 and over if there is a family history) come in for regular check-ups. We have several simple but effective methods at our disposal for early detection:

  1. Discussion of medical history
  2. PSA test: A blood test measures the "prostate-specific antigen." An elevated level may be an indication of cancer, but not necessarily.
  3. Imaging (e.g., MRI): If the levels are abnormal, an MRI can help to assess suspicious areas more accurately.
  4. Biopsy: Only a tissue sample can truly confirm the diagnosis.
For preventive medical checkups

What treatment options are available?

The treatment always depends on the type of tumor, the stage, and, of course, on you—your age, your wishes, and your state of health.

  1. Observation ("active surveillance")
    If the tumor grows very slowly and does not cause any symptoms, it is sometimes sufficient to simply monitor it regularly. We keep a close eye on everything – without intervening immediately.

  2. Surgery (prostatectomy)
    During surgery, we remove the prostate completely. Today, this is often done using minimally invasive or even robot-assisted techniques (e.g., with the Da Vinci system). The goal is always to remove the tumor completely while preserving continence and potency as much as possible.

  3. Radiation therapy
    An equally effective alternative – especially for locally confined cancer. Here, the tumor cells are specifically irradiated and destroyed.

  4. Hormone therapy or chemotherapy
    If the cancer has already spread, its growth can be slowed down by hormone blockade or chemotherapy.

What happens after treatment?

Many of my patients live cancer-free for many years after successful treatment. Regular follow-up care is important—to detect any changes at an early stage.

We also discuss topics that are often kept secret, such as erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence. Neither of these is anything to be ashamed of – there are very good therapies available today to help patients regain their quality of life.

Frequently asked questions from patients

Is prostate cancer curable?
Yes. If detected early, we can cure it completely in most cases.

What does an elevated PSA level mean?
It is an indication, not proof. Inflammation or benign enlargement can also increase the level.

Will I lose my potency after the operation?
Not necessarily. With nerve-sparing procedures, erectile function is often preserved—or it can return with a little patience and support.

Can diet help?
A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fish, and tomatoes (lycopene) supports prostate health.

How often should I come in for checkups?
After treatment, regularly every three to six months, depending on the findings. For preventive care, I recommend once a year.

Prostate cancer consultation

Prostate cancer is a topic that deserves respect—but not fear. The earlier we detect it, the greater the chances of recovery.

If you have any questions or feel uncertain, please talk to me. A quick appointment can save you a lot of worry—and perhaps even save your life.

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