[6 min read]
In this article:
- According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 340,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2026. Some 36,000 men will die from the disease.
- Concerningly, prostate cancer is being diagnosed across a wider age range of patients, at more advanced stages.
- Over the last several years there has been significnat advancement in prostate cancer treatment, with Providence Swedish physicians leading development of therapies that are more precise and preserve more urinary and sexual function.
- Read more to learn about the advanced, clinically rigourous and patient-centered care for patients with prostate cancer at Providence Swedish.
Prostate cancer — outside of skin cancers — remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's also a leading cause of cancer-related death. At the same time, prostate cancer is highly treatable, particularly when detected early. Advances in radiation oncology, surgical techniques, and imaging are increasingly allowing clinicians to deliver precise, personalized care that not only targets cancer, but also preserves quality of life.
"Providence Swedish has a long-standing legacy of leadership in prostate cancer care founded on a commitment to aligning clinical innovation and patient-centered outcomes, says Christopher Loiselle, M.D., clinical director of the Swedish Radiotherapy Center at Providence Swedish's Cherry Hill campus. "The Pacific Northwest’s first cancer and radiation center was founded at Swedish Hospital in 1932."
"Providence Swedish has a longstanding partnership with the Tumor Institute and Radiation Oncology Group (TIROG), a network of five centers that provide cancer care for patients from the greater Seattle area and around the world," Dr. Loiselle continues. "TIROG’s forward-looking physicians have been consistently recognized for their work pushing the boundaries of prostate cancer care, including the use of brachytherapy, or seed implants, which have been considered a foundational prostate cancer treatment for decades."
Prostate cancer trends: The importance of screening and early detection
In 2026, an estimated 333,830 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 36,320 will die from the disease, says the American Cancer Society. Approximately 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime.² Age remains the most significant risk factor. The median age at diagnosis is 67, with about 60% of cases occurring in men age 65 and older.
Concerningly, prostate cancer is being recognized across a wider age range, with recent data showing a shift toward more advanced-stage diagnoses at presentation. With outcomes strongly tied to stage at diagnosis, this trend is significant because the overall five-year survival approaches 98%, but drops significantly in patients with metastatic disease. Statistics demonstrate that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce treatment intensity and improve outcomes.
"With our high-volume, multidisciplinary approach and a focus on preserving quality of life, Providence Swedish offers patients access to advanced, evidence-based care that is both clinically rigorous and deeply patient-centered. The goal is not just to treat cancer, but to preserve function, support recovery and help patients return to their lives with confidence."
"Prostate cancer typically develops without symptoms in its initial stages. Screening tools such as PSA testing can detect disease before it spreads, enabling access to curative therapies," Drl. Loiselle says. "At Providence Swedish, clinicians emphasize shared decision-making based on the weight of risks and benefits, particularly for men between ages 55 and 69 or those with elevated risk."
As noted by Providence Swedish physicians, declining screening rates have had measurable consequences, with reduced PSA screening leading to more advanced — and harder to cure — prostate cancers.
Large-scale analyses support this observation, demonstrating that reduced screening is associated with increased rates of later-stage disease at diagnosis. At the same time, evidence suggests PSA screening provides a modest but meaningful reduction in prostate cancer mortality, reinforcing the importance of informed conversations.
Precision treatment: CyberKnife® and stereotactic body radiotherapy
Over the last 10 to 15 years, there has been significant refinement in the planning and delivery of prostate cancer treatment. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), including CyberKnife®* technology, represents one of the most significant advances in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. This technique allows clinicians to deliver high doses of radiation with sub-millimeter precision while minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues.
Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which may require several weeks of treatment, CyberKnife therapy is typically delivered in five sessions over one to two weeks, offering a more convenient and patient-friendly approach. Clinical data demonstrate high disease control rates exceeding 90% at five years, with low rates of severe toxicity.
"CyberKnife treatment also represents an area of clinical leadership at Providence Swedish which has led multi-institutional trials with long-term CyberKnife data that continue to shape prostate cancer care by fine-tuning treatment protocols and improving long-term outcomes," affirms Dr. Loiselle.
The Uber Nerve Sparing™ technique
One of the most important advances in prostate cancer treatment is the shift toward functional preservation. Erectile dysfunction occurs in approximately 50% to 80% of patients depending on treatment type and individual factors. Urinary symptoms, including incontinence, are also common, particularly following surgery.
"Over the last decade, Providence Swedish has been pushing the boundaries in how we plan and deliver treatment for prostate cancer. A trademarked procedure called the Uber Nerve Sparing™ technique represents the next generation of treatment by allowing men to return to their lives the way they were before cancer," Dr. Loiselle emphasizes. "This robotic-assisted procedure targets cancer more precisely while reducing radiation of the critical structures — including the nerve bundles — that enable urinary and sexual function. Ongoing research is showing that reducing radiation dose to the neurovascular bundles is associated with improved sexual function and quality-of-life outcomes."
Treatment impact and quality of life
Comparative studies suggest that while surgery may carry higher early risks of incontinence and erectile dysfunction, advanced radiation therapies such as SBRT may reduce these side effects in the short to intermediate term. Importantly, many of these effects can improve over time or be managed with supportive care, including integrated survivorship programs, sexual health support and rehabilitation services.
"With our high-volume, multidisciplinary approach and a focus on preserving quality of life, Providence Swedish offers patients access to advanced, evidence-based care that is both clinically rigorous and deeply patient-centered," Dr. Loiselle says. "The goal is not just to treat cancer, but to preserve function, support recovery and help patients return to their lives with confidence."
*CyberKnife® is a registered trademark of Accuray Incorporated and is used with permission.
Learn more and find physician or advanced practice clinician
At Swedish, we combine leading-edge treatment for prostate cancer with the highest levels of compassionate care. You can talk to someone or schedule an appointment with an expert at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute by calling 1-855-XCANCER(1-855-922-6237). Learn more about radiation therapy at our website.
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care practitioner. You can also connect virtually with your doctor to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can also use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Learn more about prostate cancer treatment at Swedish, or find a location. You can also talk to someone or schedule an appointment by calling 1-855-XCANCER.
Information for patients and visitors
Related resources
Prostate cancer: All hands on deck for treatment success | The Seattle Times
At Swedish, a robotic surgery milestone
Swedish Cancer Institute earns distinguished radiation oncology designation
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
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