Dr. David Samadi, Vice Chairman, Department of Urology, and Chief of Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, discusses a new study suggesting that women be screened for breast cancer at the age of 40. The study showed that by starting screening at 40, rather than 50 as some guidelines suggest, a 30% reduction in breast cancer related death was found. He also discusses new prostate cancer “vaccines” that have been made available to those men who have late-stage, incurable prostate cancer that has spread to other organs in the body. These drugs, which cost around 000, extend a patient’s life by an average of 2 months. Dr. Samadi believes that with time, and through competition between drug manufacturers, that these prices will eventually be reduced.
Researchers can’t say how to prevent prostate cancer because so little is understood about what causes it. However, it is believed that eating less fat, especially from red meat and dairy products is a smart choice. A diet that is low in fat and includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risks for getting many types of cancer as well as reducing the risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. There is research that seems to suggest diets including vitamin E and a trace mineral called selenium may help to lower risks for prostate cancer.
What are the signs and symptoms of cancer of the prostate? There are very few signs of prostate cancer in its early stages. When the cancer is still confined to the prostate gland there may be no pain or discomfort or any other symptom. Having trouble urinating is a symptom often associated with this type of cancer, but it may not be a symptom of cancer at all. Men, if you have trouble urinating talk to your doctor about it soon.
As with all other cancers, the earlier it is detected the better the chances of successful treatment. If the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate gland the chances of long-term survival are very good. If the cancer has spread to other body parts then it is much more difficult to treat successfully.
A cancer screening is an important part of early detection. There are two common tests for detecting prostate cancer, a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). High levels of the protein known as PSA are often found with many different types of prostate conditions, including prostate cancer. The PSA test can determine if there are high levels of this protein in the blood stream.
The DRE is a slightly uncomfortable procedure that is over quickly. The doctor must feel inside the rectum area to find any firm areas which may indicate a tumor. Most cancers of the prostate usually begin growing in the part of the prostate which is easily reached by a DRE. The DRE also helps to detect early rectal tumors as well.
If the doctor finds unusual results from either the DRE or the PSA test, he will usually require further tests. To confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer a biopsy will be taken, usually in the doctor’s office. A sample of prostate tissue will be removed by a very thin needle and examined under the microscope. The entire procedure will take less than 30 minutes.
The biopsy tissue will be examined in a lab to see if cancer cells are present. Further testing will be done if cancer cells are found so they can determine what stage the cancer is in and what grade the cancer is. The stage of a cancer tells how far the cancer has spread. The grade of a cancer tells how fast the cancer spreads. A fast spreading cancer is called an aggressive cancer.
Further testing is done to determine the state of a cancer. The tests may include a bone scan, a CT or CAT scan, an MRI and a biopsy of the lymph nodes. By determining the stage of the cancer, the doctor can best prescribe a treatment plan. Ask your doctor to explain to your about the stage and grade of the cancer, as well as the treatment plan options.
Remember that early detection is the key to successful treatment. Men should have regular prostate exams performed annually past the age of 50.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Ling
Technorati Tag: Prostate Cancer
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