Understanding your advanced prostate cancer (APC)
Helping you understand the journey from diagnosis to treatment
Every patient’s journey is different, and understanding your symptoms and test results may seem overwhelming.
Always remember to talk to your treatment team if you have any questions about your APC.
Common prostate cancer symptoms
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Difficulty getting an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED)
- Pain in the hips, back, chest, bones, or other areas
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Weight loss
- Problems urinating such as the urge to urinate more often or a slow or weak urinary stream, especially at night
FIRMAGON is indicated for advanced prostate cancer
Prostate cancer in the US: 2018
Total number of
estimated new cases
Percentage diagnosed
at the local stage
Median age
at diagnosis
Percentage alive 5 years
after initial diagnosis
Number of men diagnosed
with advanced prostate cancer
APC testing
As part of a patient’s diagnosis, there are a variety of tests that may be given to better understand a patient’s treatment needs. Some tests may be repeated throughout your treatment to monitor how well they are working. Ask your doctor for regular updates to check your progress.
Gleason scoring system
The Gleason score is one of the most accurate ways of determining the aggressiveness of prostate cancer.
Pathologists will determine a patient’s Gleason score by examining tissue samples from a prostate biopsy and comparing the cancer tissue pattern with normal tissue. The higher the score, the more likely the cancer is to spread.
What does my Gleason score mean?
2-6
Low Risk
Cancer is likely to grow and spread slowly
7
Medium Risk
Cancer is likely to grow but may not spread quickly
8+
High Risk
Cancer is likely to grow and spread more quickly
Most cancers are grade 3 and above; grades 1 and 2 are not often used
Have A Voice
Every month is an opportunity for you to connect with your treatment team
Make monthly visits matter by getting involved in your treatment plan.