Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
22 December 2015 09:47
Prostate cancer can be treated with surgery
Men who have surgery for prostate cancer are twice as likely to survive as patients who receive radiotherapy, a new study suggests.
Researchers say they reached their conclusion after analysing the results of more than a dozen previous studies covering over 118,000 patients with localised prostate cancer.
The study's author, Dr Robert Nam, of the Sunnybrook Research Institute at Canada's University of Toronto, says previous attempts to compare the success rates of the different types of treatment have been confusing.
'Analysis most robust ever'
But he says his analysis of studies represents the most robust comparison of the therapies' outcomes ever undertaken.
Dr Nam says the research shows that men receiving radiotherapy are twice as likely to die as those who undergo surgery.
Widespread illness
In Europe, around 400,000 men a year are diagnosed with localised prostate cancer, something that can be covered among holidaymakers by a cancer travel insurance policy.
Radiotherapy trends
Dr Nam says while his study suggests surgery has lower mortality rates, there are occasions when radiotherapy will be a more appropriate option for certain patients. He says it is therefore vital that patients talk about therapy options with their doctors.
Dr Nicholas Mottet is chairman of the European Association of Urology's prostate cancer guidelines panel.
He says while the study deserves attention, the results of a large-scale randomised control trial are still required to provide firm proof that surgery results in better survival rates than radiotherapy. He says Dr Nam's study should be taken into account but warns that it does not provide a definitive answer to the question of which treatment is best.
Although the new research provides important additional information, he adds, it should not be used to change clinical practice.
The study is published in the European Urology journal.
17 July 2019
Want to experience a different side of Portugal? Check out one of these great destinations that lie a step or two away from the standard tourist trail...
[more...]
08 July 2019
Want to taste the real France? Experience the best French food and drink at one of these excellent foodie festivals. Perfect for food and wine lovers everywhere!
Tired of the same old travel options? Explore the best travel experiences at one of these weird and wacky festivals from around the world.
Heading to the beach? Pack everything you need for the whole family by following this simple checklist.
05 July 2019
Heading off for some sun this summer? Protect your family's skin with these top tips to stay safe in the sun and prevent sunburn and lasting skin damage.
28 June 2019
Tired of paying over the odds for your family's summer holiday? Keep your costs down with our guide on how to get away for less...
Want to see Europe's greatest sport stars go head-to-head? Then head to Minsk! The capital of Belarus hosts this year's European Games – here's everything you need to know before travelling.
Heading to the European Games? Get more from your trip to Minsk by visiting some of these must-see attractions in the capital of Belarus.
Heading to the Austrian Grand Prix this summer? Get more out of your trip to Spielberg's iconic Red Bull Ring circuit with our guide to the local area.
07 June 2019
Thinking about going camping in France this summer but don't know where to try? Here's our quick guide to the best places to camp, whatever you're looking for.
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.