Prostate Cancer Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, a small organ in the male reproductive system that produces some of the fluid in semen. It is one of the most common cancers in the United States, and thousands of men in Michigan are diagnosed each year. In West Michigan and the Grand Rapids area, men have access to high‑quality prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment through major health systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

Cold Michigan winters, an aging population, and lifestyle factors can all influence men’s health. Understanding your prostate cancer risk and knowing where to get local help in Grand Rapids can make a significant difference in early detection and treatment success.

Who Is at Risk for Prostate Cancer?

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but several risk factors are well established.

Age

  • Risk increases significantly after age 50.
  • Many men in the Grand Rapids area are diagnosed in their 60s and 70s.

Family History

You are at higher risk if:

  • Your father, brother, or son has had prostate cancer (your risk may double).
  • Multiple close relatives have had prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer.
  • Your family carries BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations (often linked with breast and ovarian cancer).

If you have a strong family history, talk with a primary care doctor or urologist at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health about earlier or more frequent screening.

Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms, which is why regular screening is important, especially for men over 50 or those with risk factors.

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Difficulty starting or stopping urination
  • A weak or interrupted urine stream
  • Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
  • Burning or pain when urinating
  • Feeling that the bladder does not empty completely
  • Dribbling after urination
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Pain in the lower back, hips, pelvis, upper thighs, or legs
  • Bone pain
  • Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

These symptoms can also be caused by non‑cancerous prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or infection, which are common in older men in Michigan’s aging population. However, you should always discuss any of these symptoms with your doctor.

Prostate Cancer Screening and Diagnosis in Grand Rapids

Screening Tests

Local clinics and hospitals in Grand Rapids commonly use the following tests:

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test

  • The prostate produces a protein called PSA.
  • Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate problems.
  • A single high PSA does not always mean cancer, but it usually leads to further evaluation.

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

  • A doctor or nurse examines the prostate by gently inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum.
  • They feel for enlargement, lumps, or irregularities in the prostate.

Diagnostic Tests

If screening tests suggest a problem, your doctor may refer you to a urologist in Grand Rapids for:

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

  • Provides detailed images of the prostate.
  • Helps determine the size of the prostate and any suspicious areas that may need biopsy.

Prostate Biopsy

  • Small tissue samples are taken from the prostate, often guided by ultrasound and/or MRI.
  • Samples are examined in a laboratory to check for cancer cells and determine how aggressive the cancer is (Gleason score or Grade Group).

Additional Imaging

If cancer is diagnosed, further tests may be used to see if it has spread:

  • CT scans
  • MRI scans
  • Bone scans
  • PSMA-PET scans (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen PET), available through certain advanced cancer centers in Michigan

Waiting for test results can be stressful. Many Grand Rapids men find it helpful to talk with family, friends, or a counselor. The Kent County Health Department and local cancer support groups can also connect you with resources.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer in Grand Rapids

Prostate cancer treatment is individualized. Your care team will consider:

  • Your age and overall health
  • The stage and aggressiveness of the cancer
  • Whether the cancer is contained within the prostate or has spread
  • Your personal preferences and lifestyle

In Grand Rapids, multidisciplinary cancer teams at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health often include urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, nurses, and supportive care professionals.

1. Active Surveillance

Who it’s for:
Men with low‑risk, slow‑growing prostate cancer that is confined to the prostate.

What it involves:

  • Regular PSA tests
  • Digital rectal exams (DRE)
  • Periodic MRI scans
  • Repeat biopsies as needed

The goal is to monitor the cancer closely and start treatment only if it shows signs of growing or becoming more aggressive. This approach can help many men in West Michigan avoid or delay the side effects of treatment.

2. Watchful Waiting

Who it’s for:

  • Men with advanced age or serious other health problems
  • Men whose cancer is unlikely to cause symptoms in their lifetime

Focus:
Symptom control rather than cure. Fewer tests are done compared with active surveillance. If symptoms develop (such as pain or urinary problems), treatments are offered to relieve them.

3. Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)

What it is:
Surgical removal of the entire prostate gland (and sometimes nearby lymph nodes).

Types of surgery available in major Grand Rapids hospitals:

  • Open surgery: Traditional approach with a larger incision.
  • Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery: Smaller incisions, using a camera and instruments.
  • Robotic-assisted surgery: A type of keyhole surgery where a surgeon uses a robotic system for precision.

Hospital stay and recovery:

  • Hospital stay is usually between 1 and 10 days, depending on the type of surgery and your overall health.
  • Full recovery can take up to 6 weeks, though light activity may resume sooner.

Possible side effects:

  • Urinary incontinence (leakage)
  • Erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or maintaining an erection)
  • Loss of fertility (you will not be able to father a child naturally)

Pelvic floor exercises before and after surgery can help urinary control return more quickly. Discuss sperm banking with your doctor in Grand Rapids if you wish to preserve fertility before treatment.

4. TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)

  • A procedure to remove part of the prostate that is blocking urine flow.
  • Often used to relieve urinary symptoms, sometimes before radiation therapy.
  • Performed through the urethra without external incisions.

5. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high‑energy X‑rays or other radiation to damage and kill cancer cells. It may be used as a main treatment, after surgery, or for advanced cancer.

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)

  • Beams of radiation are directed at the prostate from outside the body.
  • Given in small doses over several days or weeks at a hospital or cancer center.
  • Commonly offered at Grand Rapids cancer centers.

Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)

Radioactive material is placed directly inside or near the prostate.

  • Low-Dose Rate (LDR) brachytherapy:

    • Tiny radioactive seeds are permanently implanted in the prostate.
    • The seeds deliver radiation over several weeks or months.
    • Procedure usually takes a few hours; some men stay overnight in the hospital.

  • High-Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy:

    • Radioactive material is placed in the prostate temporarily for a short period.
    • May require a longer hospital stay than LDR.
    • The material is removed after treatment.

Not all radiation options are suitable for everyone. A radiation oncologist in Grand Rapids will explain which techniques fit your situation.

Possible side effects of radiation:

  • Urinary problems: frequency, urgency, burning, poor flow, or bleeding
  • Bowel problems: frequency, urgency, discomfort, or bleeding
  • Fatigue
  • Erectile and ejaculation problems
  • Loss of fertility

6. Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy, ADT)

Prostate cancer cells often rely on male hormones (androgens) such as testosterone to grow.

How it works:

  • Lowers testosterone levels or blocks its effect on cancer cells.
  • Can slow or shrink prostate cancer throughout the body.

When it’s used:

  • When cancer has spread outside the prostate (metastatic prostate cancer)
  • Along with radiation therapy for higher‑risk localized cancer
  • When cancer returns after initial treatment

Forms of hormone therapy:

  • Injections
  • Tablets
  • Combination of both

Side effects can include:

  • Erectile dysfunction and reduced sex drive
  • Hot flashes
  • Mood changes (including depression or irritability)
  • Weight gain and loss of muscle mass
  • Breast swelling or tenderness
  • Fatigue

Talk with your Grand Rapids specialist about strategies to manage these side effects, including exercise programs, counseling, and medications.

7. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anti‑cancer drugs to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Common uses:

  • For advanced or metastatic prostate cancer
  • When hormone therapy is no longer working (hormone‑resistant cancer)
  • Sometimes combined with hormone therapy to improve survival

Possible side effects:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Changes in appetite
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Temporary hair loss
  • Sore mouth or throat
  • Numbness or tingling in hands or feet (nerve changes)
  • Skin and nail changes
  • Low red blood cells (anemia)
  • Low white blood cells (neutropenia), which increases infection risk

Cancer centers in Grand Rapids provide supportive medications and close monitoring to help manage these effects.

8. Targeted Therapies and PARP Inhibitors

For some men with specific genetic changes (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations), PARP inhibitors may be used:

  • These drugs prevent cancer cells from repairing their DNA.
  • Over time, this can slow or stop cancer growth.

Genetic testing is increasingly available through major health systems in Grand Rapids. Ask your oncologist if you might benefit from genetic counseling or testing.

9. Radioisotope Therapy (e.g., Lutetium PSMA Therapy)

Lutetium PSMA therapy is a newer treatment that can target prostate cancer cells wherever they are in the body.

  • A radioactive molecule is injected into the bloodstream.
  • It travels through the blood, seeks out prostate cancer cells, and delivers targeted radiation.
  • Currently, this therapy is limited and often accessed through private providers or clinical trials, sometimes at larger regional centers in Michigan.

Your Grand Rapids oncologist can help you understand whether referral to a specialized center or clinical trial is appropriate.

Clinical Trials in Michigan

Clinical trials test new treatments or new combinations of existing treatments. They are essential for improving prostate cancer care.

  • Men in Grand Rapids may have access to trials through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, and larger academic centers in Michigan.
  • Trials can involve new medications, radiation techniques, hormone therapies, or supportive care approaches.

Always ask your cancer specialist if there is a clinical trial that might be suitable for you. Clinical trial information is also available through Michigan cancer research networks and national registries.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Many men with prostate cancer explore complementary or alternative therapies to improve their well‑being during treatment.

  • Complementary therapies (used alongside medical treatment) may include massage, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and nutrition counseling. These can help with stress, sleep, and overall quality of life—especially during long Michigan winters when mood changes and inactivity are more common.
  • Alternative therapies (used instead of medical treatment) are not recommended, as they may be ineffective or harmful and can delay proven treatments.

Always discuss any supplements, herbs, or alternative treatments with your Grand Rapids healthcare team to avoid interactions with your cancer therapy.

Side Effects and Sexual Health

Urinary Incontinence

  • Most men experience some urinary leakage after prostate surgery.
  • Incontinence often improves within 2 to 12 weeks, but for some men it may take 3 to 12 months.
  • Rarely, it can remain a chronic problem; additional treatments or surgery may help.
  • Younger men and those who perform pelvic floor exercises before and after surgery often recover continence more quickly.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

  • ED is common after surgery and can also occur with radiation or hormone therapy.
  • Erections may take 18 to 24 months to recover after surgery.
  • In some cases, ED may be permanent.
  • Medications, devices, counseling, and specialized sexual health services (often available through major Grand Rapids health systems) can help.

Fertility

  • After prostate surgery or certain radiation treatments, you will not be able to father a child naturally.
  • Before treatment, discuss sperm banking options with your doctor if future fertility is important to you.

Fatigue and Other Long-Term Effects

After treatment, some men continue to experience:

  • Fatigue
  • Bowel problems (urgency, frequency, or discomfort)
  • Ongoing urinary or sexual difficulties

Your care team can refer you to physical therapists, pelvic floor specialists, dietitians, and mental health professionals in Grand Rapids to help manage these issues.

Emotional Health, Relationships, and Caregiving

A prostate cancer diagnosis affects more than just physical health. It can impact:

  • Mood and mental health (anxiety, depression, stress)
  • Body image and self‑esteem
  • Intimate and sexual relationships
  • Family roles and responsibilities

Open communication with your partner and family is important. If you are having difficulty coping, ask your Grand Rapids provider for:

  • Counseling or therapy referrals
  • Support groups (in‑person or virtual) for men with prostate cancer and their partners
  • Resources tailored for LGBTQ+ individuals and families affected by prostate cancer

Caregivers—partners, family members, and friends—also need support. Local organizations and hospital‑based programs in Grand Rapids can provide education, respite options, and counseling.

Advanced Prostate Cancer, Palliative Care, and End-of-Life Care

Many men with advanced prostate cancer can live for years with modern treatments. During this time, palliative care plays a crucial role.

What Is Palliative Care?

  • Focuses on relief of pain and other symptoms
  • Supports emotional, social, and spiritual well‑being
  • Can be provided at any stage of cancer, alongside treatments aimed at controlling the disease

Research shows that early palliative care:

  • Reduces pain and distress
  • Improves comfort and mood
  • Enhances quality of life
  • May even extend survival

Palliative and hospice services are available in the Grand Rapids area through major health systems and community organizations. These services also support families and caregivers.

Local Resources for Prostate Cancer Support in Grand Rapids

If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding West Michigan area, you can access:

  • Primary Care Providers and Urologists

    • Located throughout Grand Rapids; often the first point of contact for screening and referrals.

  • Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health

    • Offer comprehensive cancer centers with prostate cancer specialists, advanced imaging, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and supportive care.

  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health Resources

    • Provide community health information, screening programs, and referrals to local services.

  • Local and National Cancer Support Organizations

    • Support groups for men with prostate cancer and their families
    • Educational materials on treatment, side effects, sexuality, and caregiving
    • Telephone and online support services

Ask your doctor, nurse navigator, or social worker to connect you with the most appropriate local resources for your situation.

Key Takeaways for Men in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in American men.
  • Risk increases with age and is higher if you have a family history of prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer, or BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations.
  • Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms—regular screening with PSA and DRE is important, especially for men over 50 or with risk factors.
  • Grand Rapids offers a full range of prostate cancer care, including active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and access to clinical trials.
  • Side effects such as urinary problems, sexual changes, fatigue, and emotional distress are common but can be managed with help from your healthcare team.
  • Local hospitals, the Kent County Health Department, and community organizations provide education, support groups, and palliative care services to help you and your family at every stage of prostate cancer.

If you notice any symptoms or have concerns about your prostate health, schedule an appointment with a Grand Rapids healthcare provider. Early evaluation and local support can make a meaningful difference in your treatment options and quality of life.