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PROSTATE HEALTH
SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE HAD THEIR
PROSTATES EXAMINED? SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!
PROSTATE TALK, MAN TO MAN
A diagnosis of prostate cancer is difficult. Choosing a treatment option is, as well.
How do men decide what treatment is right for them? It takes time, research and
talking with medical experts and family.
Sometimes, it takes something else. Sometimes, it takes another man to help
make the decision. Where are these men? At Men to Men.
Men to Men is a support group for men living with, recovering from or concerned
about prostate cancer. For many, it’s a lifeline.
“When men aren’t sure what to do, we often refer them to Men to Men,” says
Aime Clance, BSN, RN, OCN, oncology nurse at Atrium Health Navicent. “There,
they get to hear other men talk about their journeys. They learn what to expect from
every treatment option available. Then they’re empowered to make the decision
that lines up with their wants and needs.”
COULD A MAN IN YOUR LIFE BENEFIT FROM MEN TO MEN? COULD
YOU? CALL 478-633-6349 TO LEARN MORE OR TO SIGN UP.
» PSA—This simple blood test measures prostate-specific antigen. are concerned about prostate cancer should not put off
Cancer and other conditions can cause elevated levels of PSA, speaking with their primary care doctor. “Tens of thousands of
and a high PSA or an upward-trending PSA score may indicate men die of prostate cancer each year.”
the presence of prostate cancer.
If the cancer begins to grow or spread, there are two
» DRE—A DRE is a physical examination. During a DRE, the common treatment options. Depending on the patient, one or
provider examines the rectum for any areas of concern, including both may be recommended.
cancerous growths. » Prostatectomy—During this procedure, a surgeon removes
Helpful as these tests are, they don’t give the final word on
all or part of the prostate gland to remove the cancer. Because
diagnosis. If doctors suspect cancer, other tests, such as MRI this is usually a minimally invasive procedure, there’s minimal
or other imaging tests, along with a biopsy, help make an scarring, reduced hospital stay and quick recovery.
accurate diagnosis. » Radiation therapy—Atrium Health Navicent offers external and
internal radiation therapy. External radiation uses a machine
REMOVING THE CANCER that aims high-energy radiation at the cancerous area. Five-day-
a-week treatment is often required for a few weeks. Internal
Once prostate cancer is diagnosed, it’s time for a radiation occurs as the patient goes about his daily life. Tiny
treatment decision. Because it’s a slow-growing cancer, radioactive beads are placed within the prostate. The beads
many men don’t take immediate action. Instead, they opt slowly release radiation, killing nearby cancer cells.
for active surveillance. “We’re living in a great time,” Clance says. “Men can
personalize their treatment, and the survival rate for prostate
With active surveillance, providers check the prostate over cancer is excellent. But it all starts with men owning their
time. Twice a year, a provider looks at the progress of the cancer. health and getting screened regularly.”
Sometimes, the cancer remains small and within the prostate.
But active surveillance isn’t the right decision for all men. In VISIT WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG TO FIND A PROVIDER
some cases, it’s important to act quickly. WHO CAN KEEP WATCH ON YOUR PROSTATE HEALTH.
“Although prostate cancer can be slow growing, the disease
nonetheless accounts for more than 10% of cancer-related
deaths in males,” Dr. Strothers says, stressing that men who
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