Baylor Foundation: EveryMan™

Week 4 

The last three weeks, we have discussed prostate cancer screening, treatments and side effects. Let’s briefly review. First, the reasons for screening are that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, the second-leading cause of cancer death in men, only curable when caught early, only caught early by screening, and screening is cheap and easy. I think that it is important to report that last week the American Urological Association released the updated Best Practice Guidelines regarding PSA screenings. Not only did it reaffirm that PSA screening is critical for early diagnosis of prostate cancer, but it actually recommended lowering the age of initial screening from age 50 to 40 for all men. This is a significant change from the previous recommendations I referenced in this journal just three weeks ago.

Second, we discussed treatment options.  We mentioned the wide variety of treatment options that are available to treat early-stage prostate cancer, including observation of low-grade disease, surgical removal by open, laparoscopic or robotic techniques, radiotherapy by external beam or radioactive implants, and more recent or experimental options like cryotherapy, HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) or CyberKnife®. Such a variety makes seeking the advice and guidance of a physician extremely important in deciding which option is best for you.

Third, we reviewed the side effects that can affect quality of life. Incontinence and erectile dysfunction are issues that are important to all men. Technology and techniques continue to improve with the dual goal of improving the chances of finding a cure as well as reducing these side effects to acceptable levels so that the cure is not worse than the disease. Additionally, many treatment options now exist for correcting these problems when they do occur.

Now, it is up to you.  It is time to make a commitment to be screened. Included on this Web site is a pledge you can print out and sign. Put it on your refrigerator or keep it in your wallet to remind yourself that your health should be a priority. If you would like more information about free prostate screenings in your area, visit the classes and events section of this Web site. Or make a point to attend “It’s a Guy Thing,” a free men’s health event scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at select Baylor hospitals around the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. In addition to prostate cancer screenings, the event will offer other important screenings and health seminars led by physicians on Baylor’s medical staffs.

Remember, the first step is easy, but only you can make it.

Thanks,

Dr. Shuford