Being diagnosed with prostate cancer can be a terrifying experience. However, once you have overcome the initial shock, it would be a good idea to soak in as much information about the disease as possible.

This way, the patient and the doctor will be able to discuss the treatment schedule and make the right choice in terms of the medication that needs to be administered. Here is a list containing the key questions that you need to ask your physician:

1) How long can I take to make the choice: Most cases of prostate cancer are discovered early and so have ample time to consider and decide on the treatment. This was not the case some years ago when more than one-third of all discoveries were in an advanced stage.

2) How aggressive is the caner: This question is important as physicians take more time to figure out whether the cancer is slow-growing or aggressive. Most men over 70 years have cancerous cells in the prostate that may never present a threat to their lives. So, getting the physician to make this call becomes important for the patient.

3) How much of a difference does age make: Without doubt, age is a critical factor as amongst the younger men the cancer is less aggressive. In addition, the physician's choice of treatment also depends on age, given the side effects such treatment.

4) What are the risks / advantages of treatment choices: Physicians have the choice of surgical, radiation as well as medication. Recent studies have further created several categories using a bit of each of these three types of treatment. There are also drugs available that control prostate cancer. So, getting to know the whole story is very important.

5) Can I adopt a wait and watch approach: Active surveillance is one of the methods offered by doctors to those suffering from prostate cancer. It involves careful observation to assess any alteration in the cancer cells that could suggest aggression. Such checks are usually conducted once every two months.

6) Do I need a second opinion: Physicians dealing with prostate cancer focus on specific treatment strategies. A doctor specializing in radiation oncology might suggest radiation while another who works with the surgeon's knife might consider surgery. So, taking a second opinion is not a bad option, especially if you do so after a consultation with your spouse.