a general overview of prostate cancer. prostate cancer 101 sponsored by the california state...
TRANSCRIPT
A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF
PROSTATE CANCER
PROSTATE CANCER 101
SPONSORED BY
THE CALIFORNIA STATE PROSTATE CANCER COALITIONAND
THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF STATE PROSTATE CANCER COALITIONS
STATISTICS
Over 238,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013
About 29,720 men will die of prostate cancer in 2013
(American Cancer Society statistics)
Why Should Every Man Be Concerned About Prostate
Cancer? Because... It is the second leading cause of
cancer death among American men Over ONE MILLION men have
Prostate Cancer and don’t know it It can kill – If it has spread distantly at
time of diagnosis, there is only a 28% chance of 5-year survival
Prostate Cancer is an Epidemic in the U.S.
Every 2.5 minutes, a man will be told he has prostate cancer
AND...
Every 17 minutes, a man will die from prostate cancer
We Don’t Know the Causes, But We Do Know What Factors
Increase Risk
Family history
Ethnic heritage
Diet and Nutrition
Myths Prostate Cancer is an “old man’s”
disease
Prostate cancer is easy to cure
Men die WITH prostate cancer, not FROM it
Prostate Cancer is Called a “Silent Killer”
A diagnosis of Prostate Cancer usually strikes without warning
Early Stage Prostate Cancer usually does not exhibit the “traditional” symptoms
Late Symptoms That May Give Warning
Need to urinate frequently, esp. at night
Difficulty starting urination or holding back urination
Weak or interrupted flow of urine
Inability to urinate
Painful or burning urination
Blood in urine Frequent pain or
stiffness in lower back, hips, upper thighs
Decreased sexual function
Don’t Panic! See a Physician if you DO have symptoms
You may not have Prostate Cancer You may have a non-cancerous
inflammation of the prostate known as Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)
You may have an inflammation of the prostate known as Prostatitis
Annual Check-ups Are Your Best Defense Against This Epidemic
The earlier Prostate Cancer is detected, the better the chances of survival
Early detection also means there are
more treatment options available
How Often Should You be Tested?
Annually if...– You are 40 years of age and have a life
expectancy of at least 10 years– You are 35 and have a high risk factor
such as... A Family History of Prostate Cancer You are African-American, Hispanic or
Native American
What Tests Will Your Physician Use to Screen for Prostate Cancer
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Additional tests may include PCA3
and Prostate Health Index (PHI) Sometimes MRI-Guided Biopsy
It is essential that men overcome their reluctance to have a physical!
THE TESTING QUANDARY
IS THERE SUCH A THING AS OVERDIAGNOSIS?
IS THERE OVERTREATMENT?
HOW DO WE KNOW WHICH MEN REQUIRE TREATMENT?
WHY TEST?
UNTIL WE KNOW WHICH MEN REQUIRE TREATMENT, WE CAN’T AFFORD TO STOP TESTING BECAUSE WE WILL MISS THOSE MEN WHO NEED TREATMENT TO SURVIVE, AND WE WILL CAUSE AN INCREASE OF METASTATIC DISEASE AT TIME OF DIAGNOSIS!
PROSTATE CANCER IS A TISSUE-BASED DIAGNOSIS
A HIGH PSA OR A PSA THAT IS INCREASING IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME WILL LIKELY LEAD TO A BIOPSY
AN ABNORMAL DRE WILL ALSO LIKELY LEAD TO A BIOPSY
GLEASON SCORE
A DESCRIPTION BY THE PATHOLOGIST OF WHAT HE SEES UNDER THE MICROSCOPE WHEN HE EXAMINES THE BIOPSY SPECIMEN: THE HIGHER THE NUMBER, THE MORE AGGRESSIVE THE TUMOR.
STAGING THE DISEASE
CLINICAL VERSUS PATHOLOGIC STAGING
CLINICAL STAGING IS BASED UPON THE PSA, THE AMOUNT AND LOCATION OF DISEASE, THE GLEASON SCORE AND OTHER TEST RESULTS
If You Are Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer
Take control Examine your choices Ask questions about treatments Talk to your family and friends Seek a second opinion
If You Are Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer…
Become your own advocate
Visit or join a support group!
Before Deciding on Treatment Know Your Options
Ask your doctor about options, such as surgery, RT, or Active Surveillance (AS)
Become a researcher– Use the library– Get on the Internet– Contact your local Prostate Cancer support
group to speak personally with a survivor
IF DIAGNOSED WITH P Ca:
USE THE TEAM APPROACH AND REMEMBER THAT ALL TESTING AND TREATMENT CHOICES SHOULD BE A JOINT DECISION BETWEEN YOUR PHYSICIAN AND YOU!
Be Proactive
Remember, it’s your responsibility to protect your health
What treatment you select is your choice
Be sure you thoroughly understand the consequences of the treatment you elect to undergo
Remember, With an Annual Prostate Checkup...
THE LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN!!!
YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF, AS WELL AS YOUR FAMILY
MEREL GREY NISSENBERG, 310-525-3570
www.prostatecalif.org
www.naspcc.org