September 30, 2003
HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER URGES AWARENESS OF PROSTATE HEALTH
Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in American men, after skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 220,000 cases will be diagnosed this year, and some 28,000 cases will be fatal. September was Prostate Health Awareness Month. Hackensack University Medical encourages all men to be aware of maintaining prostate health.

“This is a good time to promote understanding of prostate health, and raise awareness of the progress we’ve made at the medical center,” said Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., chairman of Urology and director of the Division of Genitourinary Oncology at Hackensack University Medical Center. “The Prostate Cancer Institute of New Jersey is not new. It’s been functioning for 12 years. Since its inception, we’ve been able to accomplish a great deal, and it is important for people to be aware of their treatment options and the services available to them.”

The Prostate Cancer Institute of New Jersey has been at the forefront of prostate cancer study in recent times. Over the last three years, the Division of Genitourinary Oncology of The Cancer Center has offered clinical trials of a vaccine and taken part in international research. It was also one of the first hospitals on the East Coast to utilize the daVinci ä Surgical System, an advanced robotic apparatus, to perform a radical prostatectomy, according to Vincent Lanteri, M.D., co-chief of The Prostate Cancer Institute of New Jersey. 

The medical center also participated in two successful campaigns to screen for prostate cancer and educate men about the disease. In the first event, under the direction of John Scheuch, M.D., co-chief of The Prostate Cancer Institute of New Jersey, more than 2,000 men over age 40 were tested in four New Jersey Counties, in conjunction with the New York Daily News and other organizations. Hackensack University Medical Center was also a sponsor of WABC-TV’s Fight Against Cancer Run on Father’s Day in Central Park. 

“The Prostate Cancer Institute of New Jersey offers advanced treatment alternatives, including such methods as ablation, cryoabulation, surgical nerve implants, intensity modulated radiotherapy and high dose rate implants,” said Glen Gejerman, M.D., administrative director of the Radiation Oncology Section. In addition, the division offers related services including patient support groups and clinical trials.

The prostate is an organ about the size and shape of a walnut, located between the bladder, rectum, and pubic bone. The prostate secretes chemicals to maintain and activate sperm cells and is constantly active. 

The American Cancer Society recommends that men over 50 should go annually for a digital rectal examination and a blood test to check the levels of Prostate Specific Antigen. They recommend further that African-American men begin this screening at age 40, because they are statistically at a higher risk to contract the disease. Anyone with a family history of the disease should also begin screening at age 40. 

Symptoms of prostate cancer are usually seen in urinary habits. There may be an increase in the frequency of urination, difficulty urinating, or a decreased urine flow. If an initial screening suggests the possibility of prostate cancer, an ultrasound and a biopsy is performed to make the final diagnosis. 

Treatment alternatives range from removal of the prostate to radiation treatment or careful monitoring of the condition over an extended period. Due to the personal factors that make each case unique, and a lack of consensus at this time regarding treatment, it is especially important for sufferers and their loved ones to be well-informed. 

For more information, please contact The Prostate Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Hackensack University Medical Center at (201) 996-2034 or visit www.prostatecancernj.com.

 

 

Untitled Document