Straight Talk About

PROSTATE CANCER

WITH FORMER NEW YOUR CITY MAYOR AND PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVOR, RUDY GIULIANI

"As a nation, we've faced some tough challenges that have taught us how precious life is. But many of us - myself included - face a more private challenge: prostate cancer. If you're a man over 40, do yourself and your loved ones a favor: ask your doctor about a simple screening. It might just save your life." - Rudy Giuliani

Who's at Risk?

Men age 45 and older are at risk for prostate cancer, and the risk increases with age. African American men, for reasons still unknown, and men with a family history of prostate cancer are at the highest risk for developing the disease.

What are the Symptoms?

Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms, especially in its earliest stages. So, that's why screening is so important. Some possible symptoms include:

1. weak or interrupted flow of urine

2. inability to urinate or difficulty in beginning to urinate

3. need to urinate frequently, especially at night

4. blood in urine or semen

5. continuing pain in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs

How is Prostate Cancer Detected?

A digital rectal exam (DRE) performed together with the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test is the most effective way to detect prostate cancer at an early and potentially curable stage. PSA is produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells and is measured in a blood sample. The higher the PSA level, the greater the chance a man has prostate cancer. Suspicious PSA tests are usually followed by an ultrasound and a biopsy, to determine whether cancer is present and, if so, its level of development.

What are the Treatment Options?

A patient's treatment option depend on the stage of the disease, age, physician's recommendation and personal decision. Surgery or Radiation Therapy is often the first course of action for treating the disease. The goal of the surgery is to remove the cancer. The most common prostate cancer surgery is called Radical Prostatectomy. This procedure, which involves removing the entire gland, is the most effective way to eliminate cancer that is confined to the prostate. If the cancer has advanced and spread outside the prostate, it cannot be cured with surgery alone. Radiation therapy involves exposing cancer to high doses of radiation, with the goal of killing the tumor. One type of radiation therapy that is becoming more popular is Brachytherapy. With this treatment, tiny radioactive seeds are implanted into the prostate. The seeds then deliver high doses of radiation to targeted areas of the prostate with the goal of destroying the cancer.

Additionally, some physicians and patients may use monotherapy or opt to combine other therapies with surgery and radiation, such as: Hormonal Therapy, a treatment used to decrease the production of testosterone, which is the primary fuel for hormone dependent prostate cancer. Ultimately, the starvation of testosterone slows cancer cell growth. Chemotherapy, a treatment involving the use of drugs to destroy the cancer cells.

Watchful Waiting is another option involving careful observation without immediate treatment for prostate cancer. Choosing a treatment approach should be done in consultation with your doctor.

HERE IS SOME STRAIGHT TALK FOR YOU!

Prostate cancer.  Two words no man wants to hear.  Prostate cancer is the second leading type of cancer in American men. In 2002, almost 184,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States and more than 30,000 will die.

However, there's good news all men should hear: " Your chances of survival go way up with early diagnosis and treatment". In fact, if caught early, survival rates are 90% or higher. But to be a survivor, you need the straight facts about risk factors, signs and symptoms, detection methods and treatment options. So, here's some STRAIGHT TALK to help you take charge of your health.

If you are a man and have not been recently checked for prostate cancer, consider the following questions.

•   Are you over the age of 45?                                                                                                YES       NO

•   Are you African American and over the age of 40?                                                           YES       NO

•   Do you have a history of prostate in your family?                                                             YES       NO

•   Have you ever had an abnormal prostate-specific antigen (PSA)?                                    YES      NO

•   Are you experiencing a wear urine stream, or other complications while urinating?     YES      NO

If you answered "yes" to one or more of the questions, you should make an appointment with your doctor for a prostate cancer screening.

To find a free low-cost screening near you: Visit "www.PCAW.com or call toll free: 1866.4PROST8

RESOURCES:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (a Johnson & Johnson  company)

Prostate Cancer Education Council

(SPECIAL THANKS TO MR. JOHN TUCKER FOR PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL LITERATURE)