The Doctor Is In: Prostate Cancer Awareness
Content sponsored and provided by Henry Ford Health System
September Is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
It is one of the most common cancers in America and according to to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, more than 500 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with it EACH DAY.
About 1 man in 7 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime,
Prostate cancers usually grow slowly. Most men with prostate cancer are older than 65 years and do not die from the disease.
On Wednesday, join Deena Centofanti and experts from Henry Ford Health System as they discuss prostate cancer and prevention.
Beginning at 8:35, ask your questions in the chat room.
HENRY FORD EXPERTS:
Hans Stricker, M.D.
Vice Chairman, Henry Ford Vattikuti Urology Institute
Earlexia Norwood, M.D.
Service chief of Family Medicine, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
About Prostate Cancer
Research has found risk factors that increase your chances of getting prostate cancer include:
Age: The older a man is, the greater his risk for getting prostate cancer.
Family history: A man with a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer is two to three times more likely to develop the disease himself.
Race: Prostate cancer is more common in African-American men. It tends to start at younger ages and grow faster than in other racial or ethnic groups, but exact reason remains unknown.
Different people have different symptoms for prostate cancer. Some men do not have symptoms at all.
Symptoms can include:
Difficulty starting urination.
Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
Frequent urination, especially at night.
Difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
Pain or burning during urination.
Blood in the urine or semen.
Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn't go away.
Painful ejaculation.
Screening
Each year, more than 29,000 men die from prostate cancer. If diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate is almost 100 percent. At ten years post diagnosis, 98 percent of men diagnosed early, remain alive.
To detect prostate cancer early, the American Cancer Society advises that all men over 50 have an annual prostate DRE and a PSA blood test.
Those at high-risk (African-American men and those men with a family history of prostate cancer) should begin testing as early as age 40
Common screening tests include:
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
PSA screening
Prostate ultrasound
Prostate biopsy
If your doctor is concerned by the results of the DRE or PSA tests, then an ultrasound and biopsy is done.
Treatment
The urologists at the Henry Ford Vattikuti Urology Institute specialize in the world's most state-of-the-art treatments for prostate cancer.
Your treatment for prostate cancer may involve one or a combination of the following therapies:
Watchful Waiting
Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Hormone Therapy
Chemotherapy
Surgeons at the Vattikuti Urology Institute pioneered a technique of nerve-sparing robotic prostatectomy, known as "Veil of Aphrodite"
Results in significantly better erectile function outcomes versus patients who receive conventional nerve-sparing surgery, and without compromising cancer control.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Diet and exercise are important lifestyle factors in lowering the risk of developing prostate cancer.
To reduce the chance of developing prostate cancer, men should maintain a diet that:
Is low in fat from red meat and dairy products.
Is rich in fruits and vegetables.
Is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are commonly found in fish.
Even moderate exercise, for example walking at a moderate pace for a few hours per week, can significantly lower an individual's likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
Individuals who exercise regularly and do develop prostate cancer tend to develop a less-aggressive form of the disease versus those who do not exercise.
Healthy Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
Ice - 3 ice cubes
Pomegranate juice - 1 cup
Kale - 2 cups
Spinach - 2 cups
Walnuts - 1/2 cup
Tomato - 1/2 cup
Strawberry - 1 cup
Blueberry - 1 cup
Method:
Mix in blender until smooth
You can also check out other healthy recipes and wellness tips at the Henry ford LiveWell