Awareness and Screening
Prostate cancer begins with very small changes in the size and shape of the prostate gland cells. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men.
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 186,320 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States in 2008. About 28,660 men will die of this disease this year. While 1 man in 6 will get prostate cancer during his lifetime, only 1 man in 35 will die of this disease.
The American Cancer Society reports that prostate cancer death rates are going down. ACS believes that doctors should offer the prostate cancer screening tests yearly, beginning at age 50 to men who do not have any major medical problems and can be expected to live at least 10 more years. Men should talk to their doctors about the benefits, risks, side effects, and ask questions about early prostate cancer tests and treatment.
Learn about prostate cancer screening and early detection on the ACS website: How is Prostate Cancer Found?
da Vinci Surgical System
New treatments for prostate cancer are now available. Now offered at Sequoia, the da Vinci Surgical System, a minimally invasive approach that utilizes the latest in surgical and robotics technologies, is ideal for delicate urologic surgery. This includes prostatectomy, in which the target site is not only tightly confined but also surrounded by nerves affecting urinary control and sexual function. da Vinci prostatectomy is quickly becoming the preferred treatment for removal of the prostate following early diagnosis of prostate cancer. Surgery for prostate cancer using the da Vinci Surgical system may result in better clinical outcomes.
In fact, for the patient, benefits may include:
• Significantly less pain
• Less blood loss
• Less scarring
• Shorter recovery time
• A faster return to normal daily activities
• And in many cases, better clinical outcomes
If you have questions or concerns, please call your primary care physician or urologist. Sequoia is proud to be among the few distinguished centers in the country to offer this innovative technology for advanced patient care. To find a surgeon specializing in Robotic Surgery, please refer to the Robotic Surgery page.
Free New Strength/Fitness Program Available at Sequoia YMCA
Living Strong Living Well (LSLW) is a free twelve-week small-group strength and fitness training program designed for adult cancer survivors who have recently become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from their treatment and/or disease. The goal is to help patients build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance, improve functional ability and quality of life. Research is now showing that physical activity may decrease recurrence and increase survivorship for cancer patients. Visit the Living Strong Living Well website for registration information
