Joe Hall, the Patient Navigator Team leader at RCOG thought it would be a good idea to help get the word out about American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge.  So Joe called up Danny Sheltz at Hope Lodge and asked if he could interview him, as well as patients that were currently staying there while being treated at Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia for prostate cancer.

We hope you find this video both educational as well as encouraging.

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Click on the “play” button below to listen to the interview.

The black tie gala, of which Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia is this year’s presenting sponsor, will be an evening of fine dining, dancing and celebrity guests with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society’s Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge in Atlanta, where cancer patients stay free of charge, along with their caregivers, while undergoing treatment.  Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia is this year’s presenting sponsor.

Come and join other community leaders as they rally for a cause at one of the area’s premier events. The American Cancer Society has helped avoid roughly 650,000 cancer deaths and because of their efforts, and supporters like you, 11 million cancer survivors in America will celebrate a birthday this year. A true reason to party, please visit www.thebasketballatl.org to reserve your tickets today!

Prostate cancer is a serious health concern in Georgia and the leading cause of cancer among Georgia males. More than two million men in the United States have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“It is important for people to know that someone is here to answer questions about prostate cancer and explain the treatment options,” says Mark Merlin, M.D., a radiation oncologist at Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia. 

Dr. Merlin will give an informative and interactive presentation followed by a Q&A session. He will explain treatment options and help guide men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer to the next step.   

Attendees will also have the opportunity to bring their latest PSA lab and Pathology (Biopsy) reports between 8:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. to receive a free Individual Cure Rate (ICR) using RC Cancer Center’s ProstRcision technique and be contacted with results by Dr. Merlin.  The seminar begins promptly at 10 a.m. and breakfast will be provided.

To make your reservation for this free seminar visit www.RCCancerCenters.com/Columbus or call Toni Karasik at (770) 682-2099, ext. 168 or email tkarasik@rccancercenters.com.

All proceeds from the gala will benefit the American Cancer Society and its Hope Lodge in Atlanta, where cancer patients stay free of charge, along with their caregivers, while undergoing treatment in metro Atlanta.

“We are delighted that Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia is our presenting sponsor again for 2011,” said Cathy Tyler, gala director for the Society in Atlanta. “Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia is not only one of the top-ranked facilities of its kind in the nation but is also a long-time and passionate supporter of the American Cancer Society and its Hope Lodge in Atlanta. We greatly appreciate their continued strong support.”

“We are not only excited, but proud to be a presenting sponsor again for this year’s Coaches vs. Cancer BasketBall gala,” said Michael Holton, president and chief operating officer of Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia.  Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia treats men and women with different types of cancers including breast, prostate, lung, colon, lymphatic and others. A number of those patients treated at Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia stay at Hope Lodge during treatment.

“Hope Lodge provides an added element of care and support not found anywhere else, and we are honored to show our support alongside so many other prominent residents and leaders within the Atlanta community,” Holton added.

Offering cancer patients and their families a free, place to stay while undergoing treatment at area hospitals and treatment centers, the Society’s Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge in Atlanta creates a home away from home and a warm, supportive environment for patients and caregivers. The Atlanta Hope Lodge has 52 suites and is located on the Emory University campus.

“The fact that Hope Lodge is free is great, but the true magic of the Lodge lies in the warm and supportive environment created by the dedicated staff and volunteers, many of whom are cancer survivors themselves,” said Hewitt. “Staying at Hope Lodge without having to worry about how to pay for a hotel room and transportation frees cancer patients to focus on the most important thing: Getting well.”

Coaches vs. Cancer is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Empowering coaches, their teams and communities to join the fight against cancer – Coaches vs. Cancer has raised more than $55 million to help the Society fund groundbreaking cancer research; provide up-to-date cancer information and education; advocate for public health policies that benefit communities; and deliver services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families – since its founding in 1993.

For more information on the gala or to become a sponsor, contact Gala Director Cathy Tyler at the American Cancer Society at (404) 949-6478.

The Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition, Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Community Health along with the Atlanta  Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers, UPS, CR Bard, WXIA Television, Morehouse School of Medicine, KISS 104.1 Radio and WSB Radio are supporting this initiative to increase prostate cancer awareness throughout the state of Georgia.

“Specifically, we are encouraging every man who is over the age of 40 in Georgia to speak to his doctor and take the pledge to get screened for prostate cancer,” said Frank Catroneo,  Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition Board Member.  “Our goal is to have 10,000 men in Georgia pledge to have the conversation with their doctors and/or be screened between now and April 20, 2011.”

M. Rony Francois, MD, MSPH, PhD, Director, DCH Division of Public Health and State Health Officer said, “I look forward to the potential that this pledge campaign holds in increasing the number of men who talk to their doctor about prostate cancer screening.”

To encourage prostate cancer discussions and screenings, the Atlanta Hawks and the Georgia Prostate Cancer Pledge committee will provide two tickets to several Atlanta Hawks home games, starting with the December 7^th home game versus the New Jersey Nets, to the first 2,000 men who commit to being screened for the first time. Men can visit http://www.hawks.com/ or http://www.georgiaprostatecancerpledge.com/ to make their screening pledge and redeem their complimentary tickets online.

There will be a number of activities and events to help educate men and their loved ones, and to bring awareness to the serious health impact of prostate cancer for all concerned.  The events will culminate in April with a prostate cancer symposium, a golf tournament, a motorcycle ride, video testimonials of survivors and much more.

Michael Holton, president and COO of Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, which specializes in the ProstRcision treatment for prostate cancer said, “Throughout the campaign, we will be offering free of charge PSA screenings for men over 40 years old, who have not been diagnosed with prostate cancer or previously treated for this disease. They can be screened at any one of our five locations in Georgia.  For screening locations, visit http://www.rccancercenters.com/.”

Current data available from Georgia Department of Community Health, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Cancer Society show:

•  Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer among Georgia males and accounts for 28 percent of all new cancer cases among males each year.
• Nationally, about one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime and more than two million men in the United States have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point and are still alive today.
• Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men and the second leading cause of cancer death, behind lung cancer.

 “It is crucial for men to maintain an ongoing relationship with their healthcare provider as the risk for prostate cancer will vary from person to person,” said Roland Matthews, M.D., from Morehouse School of Medicine and Director of Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System.

A prostate screening PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a simple blood test which will not define a man’s prostate cancer status, but provides the basis for men to start the right conversations with their doctor.  When prostate cancer is detected early, it is a very curable disease.

To learn more about this prostate cancer initiative, visit www.GeorgiaProstateCancerPledge.com .

All Prostate Cancer Lecture Series seminars are offered free to the public and begin with a light dinner at 5 p.m. followed by a lecture at 5:30 p.m. Classes are presented at the Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia Auditorium located at 2339 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur, GA 30033.

Prostate Cancer Lecture Series courses to be presented in December include:

• “Updated Cure Rates” – Frank Critz, M.D., shares the latest information about individual cure rates (ICR) to help men decide which prostate cancer treatment method gives them the best chance of a cure.   Tuesday, Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m.
• “PSA Bounce” – Philip Shrake, M.D., explains the temporary benign rise in prostate-specific antigens (PSA), a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland which can be used to detect prostate cancer. Tuesday, Dec. 14, 5:30 p.m.
• “Image-Guided Radiation Therapy” – Mark L. Merlin, M.D., presents an in-depth explanation of the image-guided treatment setup used in radiation therapy. Tuesday, Dec. 21, 5:30 p.m.
• “RCOG Database” – Chad Levitt, M.D., shares information about the treatment database, containing information about 12,500 men who have been treated for prostate cancer.  The database, one of the most comprehensive in the nation, enables men and their physicians to determine the prostate cancer treatment method that gives them the best chance of a cure.  Tuesday, Dec. 28, 5:30 p.m.

For more information on the Prostate Cancer Lecture Series or to RSVP for a specific class, please call 404-633-5606, ext. 320.  For more information on Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, please visit rccancercenters.com.

For men dealing with prostate cancer, the challenges are many: from realizing that their bodies are being invaded by this disease and having to decide whether to get treated or carefully wait, while wondering if their ability to be intimate may be affected by the type of treatment chosen. After going through the ups and downs of it all, one thing remains – you are alive! While the relationship with your partner may change, enjoying your adult life is not over.

Now is the time to talk to your partner, and communicate as openly and honestly as you ever have about sex and intimacy: what you need, what you want, and what you are feeling. Your partner can help you get through this difficult time, and you shouldn’t sacrifice the relationship while fighting prostate cancer. Your physician can also help. Ask questions, talk about your fears and learn how deal with each aspect of this life-changing experience.

Is it okay to have sex during treatment? Talk to your doctor to learn if it is okay for you to have sex. It depends on your type of treatment. Most men can have sex during their treatment.

When interest in sex dwindles, it is not cause for fear or that something is wrong. Be easy on yourself. You are going through a lot. You may be worried or tired from your treatment. Most likely you will feel better once treatment ends. For now, talk with your partner and find other ways to stay close to each other.

Sexual changes happen very slowly over a period of six months to one year after radiation therapy. Talk with your doctor or nurse to learn what you should expect.

The emotional connection you get from intimacy should not be erased by cancer treatment.

Take control of your prostate health. And help other men do the same.
Speak with one of our physicians
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and have not yet spoken with one of our physicians, we invite you to do so at no cost or obligation. Simply click this link to request to speak with a physician.

Frederick J. Schnell, Jr., M.D.

With seven locations throughout the Metro Atlanta area, Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia makes the latest radiation technology available to patients in rural settings who would otherwise have to travel to receive care. By providing radiological services for gynecological cancers and cancers of the prostate, head and neck, breast and lung, patients benefit from cutting-edge treatment delivered by an experienced and dedicated staff.

Advanced Approach for Prostate Cancer

Physicians at Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia utilize an innovative approach called ProstRcision to treat and manage prostate cancer. Currently, more than 13,000 men have received ProstRcision therapy at Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia with exceptional clinical results.

ProstRcision involves a combination of brachytherapy and external beam radiation. Rather than using external beam radiation first and brachytherapy second, which is the more common technique, physicians using ProstRcision place the radioactive seeds first. By initially delivering a high internal dose of radiation directly to the cancerous lesion, the dose to critical structures, such as bladder and rectum, can be decreased.

ProstRcision is used for treatment of early, intermediate and advanced cancers. It is best suited for patients who have prostate cancers that have not metastasized.

Cure rates using ProstRcision are very high. Recently, Frederick J. Schnell, Jr., M.D., radiation oncologist at Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, submitted an abstract that outlines 10-year results of ProstRcision in patients who have advanced prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 4 + 4 = 8. The results of the study will be presented at the American Society of Radiation Oncology’s annual conference in November.

“In my analysis, I found that early stage patients who had a Gleason score of 8 achieved a 75% cure rate when using ProstRcision,” says Dr. Schnell. “Patients with lower-volume disease on their initial biopsies had even better results, achieving cure rates of 80% to 85%.”

“ProstRcision is a very advantageous method for prostate cancer treatment because it boasts a very high cure rate while allowing the majority of men to retain sexual and urinary function,” adds Philip D. Shrake, M.D., radiation oncologist at Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia. “While there are a variety of treatment modalities available in addition to radiation therapy, including active surveillance, hormone therapy and surgery, radiation therapy has a much lower risk of erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. More men are also candidates for radiation therapy, as men who are older than 70 are generally not surgical candidates.”

Alternative Radiation Techniques

In addition to traditional radiation therapy services, Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia also offers advanced alternative procedures. High-dose brachytherapy is utilized for treatment of breast cancer and gynecological malignancies, and partial breast irradiation is achieved using MammoSite 5-Day Targeted Radiation Therapy.

The MammoSite approach involves placing a balloon device into the lumpectomy cavity at the time of surgery. Following placement of the device, a CT scan is taken to ensure correct placement and symmetry of the device within the breast. Radiation therapy is then administered directly to the lumpectomy bed through the use of catheters. Because radiation is delivered directly to the lumpectomy cavity, the amount of radiation exposure to the lungs and heart is significantly reduced.

Unlike traditional, whole-breast irradiation that requires patients to receive treatment over a six-week period, patients receiving MammoSite therapy present for two treatments each day for five days. The MammoSite procedure is most indicated for patients with early-stage, low-risk breast cancer.

For patients with early-stage, localized lung cancer that does not present with lymph node involvement, stereotactic body radiosurgery is available. Forms of image-guided radiation therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy are used for cancers of the head and neck.

A Patient-Centered Approach to Cancer Treatment

Preserving quality of life for patients receiving cancer treatment is of the utmost importance at Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia. In addition to excellent clinical care, patients are also provided with concierge services that include massage, acupuncture, nutritional services, complimentary parking with front door access and comfortable, inviting wait areas.

“We have a very warm and caring staff that treats all patients as individuals,” says Sandra L. Gregory, M.D., radiation oncologist at Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia. “We try to provide patients with services to help them feel as comfortable as possible while they are receiving treatment and will coordinate home health care or nutritional aid if that will help make their cancer treatments easier.”

Support groups and weekly physician seminars focused on education are also provided. For prostate cancer patients, lecture series are held every Tuesday and cover a variety of different topics. These gatherings also serve as a forum for prostate cancer patients and their families to interact and provide support for one another. Newly diagnosed patients are also invited to attend and are encouraged to speak with alumni patients who have finished treatment, as this additional support can often make the process of choosing a cancer treatment easier for patients.

Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia’ Canton office is also partnering with Northside Hospital – Cherokee to hold a breast symposium for community women on October 2, 2010. A panel of breast specialists, including surgical, medical and radiation oncologists; primary care physicians; and a diagnostic radiologist will speak about different aspects of care, including preventive health and screenings. Mammograms also will be offered at no charge to patients who do not have insurance.

For more information about Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia and the services provided, please visit www.rccancercenters.com.

MD News September/October 2010

http://www.mdnews.com/news/2010_09/05702_sepoct2010_taking-cancer-care-to-the-next-level

Aloi and his wife Amardina (Dina) Ji were shopkeepers from Malang, the second largest city of the East Java province in Indonesia with a population of approximately 780,000.  They lived modestly, selling carpets and upholstery from local factories to their friends and neighbors. They went about their days happily, until one fateful day in 1998 when Aloi’s doctor found irregularities in his urine. Unable to get the proper screens and tests, Aloi was urged to fly to Jakarta to get a PSA (prostate specific antigen) screen.  Again limited by the availability of technology and skill in Jakarta, he was then sent to Singapore for a biopsy. Anxious and concerned, Aloi and Dina waited to hear the results of his tests. With a PSA score of 18 and positive results from his biopsy, the couple was given a devastating diagnosis. Aloi had prostate cancer.

“The doctor in Singapore said we needed to have a big operation to remove the cancer,” explained Dina. “But not only was it a big operation, it would be a big risk and my husband was afraid. This was a very dark and nervous time for our family.”

They spent the next year and a half discussing at length with all their family and friends what would be the best option for Aloi. He did not want surgery, but the family knew little of other treatment options. Fortunately for Dina and Aloi, their daughter-in-law found Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia online. She read about ProstRcision^®, seed implant followed by external beam radiation, and felt this could be the answer for which they had all been hoping.

“We didn’t know anything about seed implantation because this type of treatment was not available in Indonesia. It was never suggested or even considered,” said Dina. “We discussed the possibility for a very long time, because it would require us to travel to Georgia in the United States – very far from our home. We would be in a foreign country with a different language and everything would be very strange for us.”

To continue their research, Dina and Aloi called Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia and spoke with one of their radiation oncologists. He explained the details of ProstRcision^®, the treatment plan and how they would need to finance their care since insurance was not an option.

Financing treatment was only one obstacle among many which Dina and Aloi faced while deciding their future. After much thought, concern and discussion, two years following his diagnosis, Dina and Aloi decided to embark from Malang, East Java, Indonesia to Decatur, Ga. in 2000.  

Aloi and Dina came for three months with their son-in-law, who flew from Oklahoma to translate, and stayed at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge. Aloi received ProstRcision^®, the unique seed implantation procedure which is only available at Radiotherapy Centers Of Georgia, rested for three weeks and then underwent 7 weeks of external radiation.

“The people [at Radiotherapy Centers Of Georgia] were very kind, helpful and friendly,” said Dina. “Our days were filled with activities so we wouldn’t feel lonely or afraid. It felt more like a holiday because there was always something to do, and we made so many friends!”

“They took us to the Coca Cola museum, to baseball games and helped us relieve the stress and anxiety from all the treatment. At home we do not have anything like that, because in our home country when you go to the cancer clinic – it is constantly chemotherapy and stress.”

After returning to Indonesia, Aloi continued to fill out his questionnaire every six months as instructed and received regular PSA screens. Now, 10 years later, Aloi’s PSA score is .05 ng/ml, which is less than the Radiotherapy Centers Of Georgia definition of cure of <0.2 ng/ml. Aloi is considered cancer free.

The couple currently lives in Jakarta with their son, and often tells others about their experience with ProstRcision^® and Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia.

“It is a pity our friends are afraid to come to the United States. The heartbeat here is very different from the western world–they fear the language and are also afraid of traveling so far away from home,” explained Dina. “But we continue to tell them about the new technology available at Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia. We give all the papers we receive from Radiotherapy Centers Of Georgia to our doctors and our friends. And we tell them this is the best way to find a cure for prostate cancer: there is no knife, no risk and no painful surgery.  However, most importantly, we tell them going to Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia and receiving ProstRcision^® cured my husband–he is now free from cancer.”

Aloi was the first patient to travel from Indonesia to receive ProstRcision^® at Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia. He is one among many patients and alumni who have traveled from all over the world to receive treatment from Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia. For more information on Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia and ProstRcision^® please visit rccancercenters.com.

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 About Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia

Each year thousands of patients from around the world and across the United States turn to Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia seeking a cure for their prostate cancer and learn why they are The Choice for Saving Lives. Founded in 1984, Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia, a division of Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, has earned a reputation for being one of the country’s top cancer treatment and research facilities because of its commitment to quality, use of the latest radiation technology and focus on research that enables it to treat men and women with different types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, colon, lymphatic and others. Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia has treated more than 12,500 men for prostate cancer and has compiled its observations of these men, both before and after treatment, into one of the largest computerized databases on prostate cancer in the United States. For more information, visit rccancercenters.com.

Build awareness about Prostate Cancer.

$25,000 is needed for a Georgia Prostate Cancer license plate.

To donate please visit: www.GEORGIAPCC.org.

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To hear the interview please click here: http://atlantabusinessradio.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=616551

Each year thousands of patients from around the world and across the United States turn to Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia seeking a cure and learn why they are The Choice for Saving Lives. Founded in 1979, Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia, a division of Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, has earned a reputation for being one of the country’s top cancer treatment and research facilities. With their commitment to quality, use of the latest radiation technology and research focus, RCOG treats men and women with different types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, colon, lymphatic and others.

Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia is the exclusive provider of ProstRcision®, which is a unique technique for curing prostate cancer that uses a combination of pinpoint irradiation through seed implant and conformal beam irradiation. In addition to the rigorous decade of education and training required of any surgeon, ProstRcision® doctors must complete an additional year of procedural instruction and surgical training before performing ProstRcision® on their own, in contrast to industry standards for other seed implant and robotic procedures. Only seven physicians in the country are credentialed in the procedure and all are affiliated with Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia.

“ProstRcision’s 10-year documented cure rate of 83 percent and the ability to protect against incontinence and preserve normal sex function makes it one of the most important treatment options available today,” said Dr. James Benton of Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia. “Our highly skilled and trained staff keeps abreast of the latest advances in treatment and are able to use this knowledge to provide men with effective outcomes delivered in a caring environment.”

“Education is the key to taking control of your prostate cancer,” said Don Holton, President & CEO of Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia. “We encourage men to contact Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia so they can learn the facts, know about the types of treatment available and find out the cure rate of the option they may choose.”

The demographic and statistical information of all men treated with ProstRcision® is the data source for the RCOG prostate cancer treatment database. Data is collected about each man before treatment, during irradiation and at each check-up following treatment. Examples of information gathered before treatment are a man’s age, his PSA before irradiation, his Gleason score, his prostate size, his sexual function, and how many times he gets up at night to urinate. The number of I-125 seeds, amount of irradiation from seeds, and external irradiation are just some examples of the data collected. The significance of this data is most helpful as more prostate cancer patients seek concise, factual and evidence-based information before they choose, along with their physician, the best course of treatment.

This database with its more than nine million data points makes it possible to proactively help other men diagnosed with prostate cancer. By contacting the concierge service, men can speak directly with a board-certified radiation oncologist. After providing pertinent medical information to RCOG, the findings are then matched with those of men with similar circumstances from the database and a 10-year individual cure rate (ICR) is calculated. These ICR calculations can help men make objective decisions about which treatment method gives them the best chance of cure.

In an effort to better educate men about their health choices, Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia and Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia are sharing information about prostate cancer treatment options through the Web site CuringProstateCancer.com.

Visitors to the site can request a free guide and DVD “Questions & Answers to Curing Prostate Cancer” that provides additional information on the subject.

To determine if a man is at risk for prostate cancer, doctors use a simple blood test called a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test. This can be performed right in a physician’s office. For most men, annual PSA testing combined with a digital rectal exam (DRE) should begin at age 50. However, African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer should begin getting tested at age 40.

PSA is an enzyme that is produced only by prostate cells, either normal or cancerous, and secreted into the seminal fluid to keep it liquefied. A small amount of PSA is leaked into the bloodstream by prostate cells, which allows it to be measured. When a prostate cell is cancerous, it leaks more PSA into the bloodstream. On average, one cancerous prostate cell will produce 10 times more PSA than a healthy cell. When cancerous cells multiply, this causes a man’s PSA level to rise.

The triggers that define prostate cancer

PSA is measured through nanograms per milliliter of blood (ng/ml). Abnormal PSA levels are defined as:

• Higher than 4.0 ng/ml for men over age 60
• Higher than 2.4 ng/ml for men 60 and under

Learn more from Dr. Critz or download Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia educational brochure.

The higher the PSA normally means that more cancer is present. But there are some prostate cancers that do not produce a high level of PSA and can fool doctors. The best way to determine the amount of cancer in a patient is with a biopsy.  (See Table 2 from the Q&A section.)

A prostate biopsy is performed by a urologist, who uses tiny needles to remove the suspected cancerous cells from the prostate. This is where the expertise of the urologist can make a difference. The urologist must get a tissue sample from many different areas of the prostate to fully evaluate the cancer  (See Figure 1 from the Q&A section.)

Get answers to your questions regarding prostate cancer. Click here to receive a free copy of Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia educational brochure.

The prostate is located behind the pubic bones in a man’s pelvis, between the bladder and the rectum. When healthy, it is about the size of a walnut. A tube, called the urethra, runs through the middle of the prostate and drains urine from the bladder out of the penis. Two sex nerves for erection of the penis run next to and alongside the prostate. The purpose of the prostate is to produce seminal fluid, which when mixed with the sperm from the testicles, creates semen. Prostate cells also secrete proteins into the bloodstream, one of which is called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA); this protein plays a key role in detecting cancer. See Figure 3 below from the Q & A section.

These are the facts:

• Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men other than skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death among American men.
• The American Cancer Society estimates that almost 192,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009.
• One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime.
• Typically, prostate cancer is a slow growing disease.
• Some men diagnosed with prostate cancer may have few, if any, symptoms.
• If caught early, prostate cancer is very curable when properly treatment.

The power of early detection cannot be underestimated

The reality is that most men know very little about prostate cancer. To detect this disease early, and to make the right decisions regarding treatment, men need to be informed. Use the resources listed to learn about the prostate, and how it’s detected, diagnosed and measured. You’ll discover what it really means to be cured. And that knowledge is the power to take charge of your own prostate cancer situation.

Who’s at risk

There are many variable risk factors for prostate cancer. While we don’t know the exact cause of this disease, we do know that environment and diet can play a role. And we know that men over the age of 50 from Western industrialized nations have a much higher incidence of prostate cancer than men from Asia. Additionally, African-American men are more likely to get an aggressive form of prostate cancer than Caucasian men. Any man whose father, grandfather, uncle or brother has had prostate cancer is also at a greater risk of getting this disease. If you are in one of these risk groups, there are some steps you must take to protect yourself.