Prostate Cancer Therapy

They have cancer on both sides of their family. Most families do. But, when Mark finds himself getting up in the middle night it starts a diagnosis that includes PSA (Prostate Specific Antigens) tests and a series of biopsies and lab tests that are at first, inconclusive.

Source: An Original HealthTheater.tv Production/In ociation with the Dept. of Urology, Weill-Cornell New York Presbyterian Hospital. Credits: Executive Producer:Sean Moloney

Duration : 0:2:2

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My PSA was 3.2, my Gleason score was 6 and my tumor score was T1C. All in my favor. I’m 64 and in great physical shape – except for the prostate cancer. The side effects of the treatment are frightful. I don’t smoke and haven’t for the last 44 years. I hate to surrender "quality of life" merely to gain a few years when I might be killed in a car crash or die from something else anyway. What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance.

The treatment for prostate cancer has been controversial for many years. With most cancers we know if it shows certain characteristics what the best treatment is, but this is not so with prostate cancer and the man’s lifestyle always has to be taken into consideration.

I deal with cancer everyday and attended many meeting s along with the doctors I work with and my ex-husband is a urologist. So I can tell you, we do not know of any holistic ways to treat this. Everything about your cancer is in your favor, except your age, you’re a little young for prostate cancer and this makes deciding on treatment so difficult.

The way I see it, if you decide on watchful waiting you might as well try a holistic approach during this time, as it couldn’t hurt. The only things I know that may be helpful in this regard is there appears to be a link with an increased intake of vitamin A and a decreased intake of vitamin D. Some studies have shown altered estrogen androgen metabolite levels may lead to prostate cancer and exposure to cadmium may also be a risk factor for it.

If you should decide on surgery I would go with a robotic surgery. It is less invasive, has a faster recovery and it is more precise, decreasing the risk for ED.

You should also get another opinion or two to help you decide and I suggest you get one from a teaching facility as they are involved in research and most likely have the equipment to do a robotic surgery. You may also want to consider proton therapy. I have included a link for you to read about it. Best wishes.

http://www.protons.com/proton-therapy/conditions-treated/pelvis.html?utm_source=Internal%2Bsearch&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=Internal%2BLink

“At this point in time, you can’t consider you’re providing the best care fir cancer patients if you’re limited to an individual specialty.” Dr. Schlegel (Department Chairman) of Cornell Urology discusses the critical importance of a “coordinated” approach to treating prostate cancer. He discusses the role of a an interdisciplinary urology team is able to unite on their subspecialties and take a team-based approach to prostate cancer treatment in men who are battling prostate cancer.

Duration : 0:1:9

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“Surgical treatment of prostate cancer requires removal of the prostate and that always has a risk of urinary leakage afterwards, some risk of surgical complications, and some risk of anesthetic complications.” Drs. Tewari (leader in prostate cancer research and surgery) and Schlegel (Department Chairman) of Cornell Urology provide an overview of the advanced surgical techniques that help patients avoid some of the complications ociated with complicated prostate cancer surgery treatment options. Discussions concerning erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence resulting from prostate cancer surgery are among the potential complications these leaders in prostate cancer surgery and research discuss.

Duration : 0:1:19

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“When a patient first hears that they have a diagnosis of cancer, they usually aren’t ready to accept much more information at that point in time.” Why me? I exercised and had a good diet. Why? In this health video minute on prostate cancer, Drs. Tewari (leader in prostate cancer research and surgery) and Schlegel (Department Chairman) of Cornell Urology review the process of receiving and delivering a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Duration : 0:1:23

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“I think the emotional preparedness is a key in the recovery after prostate cancer surgery.” Dr. Tewari, of the Dept. of Urology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, presents an insightful perspective on the emotional dimensions of prostate cancer and the critical role those emotions play in treatment and recovery.

Duration : 0:1:8

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“PSA allows us to detect prostate cancer several years before that nodule would develop, at a much earlier stage, and therefore at a much more curable stage.” Drs. Schlegel (Department Chairman) and Tewari of Cornell Urology discuss the application of PSA tests, digital rectum exams, and other approaches that enable urologists to diagnose prostate cancer earlier. A family history of prostate cancer and the implications relative to a diagnosis of prostate cancer is also discussed. The need to receive a PDA and at what age is also covered by one of the leading prostate cancer researchers.

Duration : 0:1:25

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“There’s no doubt that if the cancer is picked up early, it gives many more treatment options than if it’s picked up later.” Dr. Tewari (leader in prostate cancer research and surgery) of Cornell Urology discusses the critical importance of early detection in prostate cancer and the benefits it has for prostate cancer patients.

Duration : 0:0:57

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“The most important thing to prevent prostate cancer is to pick your parents properly.” Dr. Schlegel (Department Chairman) of Cornell Urology discusses a question they face often—Can prostate cancer be prevented? They discuss the role of race, diet, genetic profile and review important steps we can take to decrease our risk of facing prostate cancer.

Duration : 0:1:4

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“It’s like poking into a pillow in which a couple of golf balls are hidden.” Dr. Tewari, of the Dept. of Urology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, discusses the prostate cancer biopsy and its effectiveness. While it’s the best they have, it is not perfect.

Duration : 0:1:4

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