Prostate Cancer Care

Personalized, Same-Day Prostate Cancer Evaluation and Treatment Planning

At Exeter Hospital, we understand that prostate cancer affects every patient differently. That's why our care team personalizes each treatment plan to meet your unique medical, emotional, and lifestyle needs.

Our Multidisciplinary Prostate Clinic brings together a team of specialists — all in one visit. You'll meet with urologic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, and other experts in a single morning instead of waiting weeks for separate appointments. Exeter Hospital is the only treatment center in the region offering this same-day, coordinated approach.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Most men with prostate cancer have no symptoms, especially in the early stages. When symptoms do occur, they are more common in later-stage disease and may include:

These symptoms do not always indicate prostate cancer. Many may be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common noncancerous enlargement of the prostate.

Prostate Cancer Screening & Diagnostic Services

Radiologists use a range of advanced imaging tools to diagnose and stage prostate cancer. At Exeter Hospital, our radiologists are highly experienced in performing exams and interpreting results. Based on your symptoms and individual risk factors, your doctor may recommend one or more diagnostic tests.

Screening for Prostate Cancer

We recommend that men ages 40 – 55 with risk factors for prostate cancer, as well as all men ages 55 – 69, discuss the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening with their primary care provider.

Two main tests are commonly used:

• Digital rectal exam (DRE): During a DRE, your doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check for changes in size, shape, or texture. For men over age 50, this exam is typically performed annually during a wellness visit.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): test This blood test measures PSA, a protein produced by the prostate. Higher-than-normal levels may indicate prostate cancer, though elevated PSA levels can also result from noncancerous conditions. Because PSA testing can sometimes lead to unnecessary biopsies or treatment, it’s important to talk with your doctor about whether PSA screening is right for you.

Understanding PSA Levels

A PSA level of 4 ng/mL or higher is often considered a warning sign, though results can vary. Your doctor may repeat the test to confirm the result, as PSA levels can fluctuate due to factors such as prostate inflammation, recent sexual activity, or even bicycle riding.

If PSA levels remain elevated or continue to rise over time, your doctor may recommend ongoing monitoring or a prostate biopsy. An abnormal DRE may also prompt additional testing, such as imaging or biopsy.

Prostate Biopsy

A prostate biopsy is an outpatient procedure performed using transrectal ultrasound or MRI guidance. During the procedure, a doctor uses a needle to collect multiple tissue samples — typically 12 to 20 — from different areas of the prostate.

These samples are examined by a pathologist to determine whether cancer is present and, if so, how aggressive it appears.

A biopsy provides critical information, including:

• Whether cancer is present
• How much cancer is found
• The grade of the cancer

This information helps guide treatment decisions and next steps in care.

What To Expect at the Prostate Clinic

During your visit, you and your family can meet directly with multiple specialists to review test results, discuss concerns, and explore prostate cancer treatment options — including available clinical trials. Because second opinions are built into the process, you can feel confident that your care plan reflects the best evidence-based approach.

At the end of your session, the care team collaborates to recommend the most effective next steps. Once your plan is finalized, treatment begins promptly to minimize delays and reduce stress.

Comprehensive, Team-Based Care

We recognize that a prostate cancer diagnosis affects more than just your physical health. Our approach addresses emotional, nutritional, and practical needs throughout treatment and recovery.

Your multidisciplinary care team may include: