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Prostate Cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men in the United States. When it’s detected early it’s often highly treatable. Chief of Urology at Saint Francis Hospital, Dr. Ryan Dorin says it can be detected early on with a blood test.
“Talk to your doctor about getting a blood test called the PSA,” said Dr. Dorin. “That’s usually done once a year up until the age of about 70 or 75 depending upon your health.”
Testing often gives you the chance to catch it while it’s small and easily treated. Not every primary physician orders the test as a standard so it’s important to talk with your doctor about it. 50 year old men and older should have the test unless you have a family history, then you may want to be tested earlier.
“Most men don’t notice any symptoms until it’s gotten to be fairly advanced but some symptoms you might notice are difficulties urinating, blood in the urine, pain in the bones, weight loss, those are usually more advanced symptoms,” said Dr. Dorin. “You would want to find it before you start noticing those things.”
There are many new good treatment options if you do get diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Most of the treatments allow the preservation of sexual and urinary function. In early cancer while it’s still small, there is a minimally invasive robotic surgery.
“At Trinity Health we have the latest in technology there,” said Dr. Dorin. “We have the DV 5 robot that allows for a very minimally approach to removing the prostate, you might go home the same day from that. Actually most of them can go the same day and we preserve the vast majority of their function.”
A new treatment at Trinity Health Of New England is focal point therapy. It uses high intensity ultrasound waves to destroy the prostate tumor but save the rest of the prostate gland. With focal point therapy all of the function can be retained. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle can help lower the risk of Prostate Cancer. Avoid smoking, exercise, eat a healthy diet and sleep well. Keep an eye out for symptoms or changes in your urinary or bowel habits or any new pain, and bring it up with a doctor.
To learn more, visit trinityhealthofne.org/urology.
