Prostate Cancer: Awareness Month a Time to Learn Risk Factors
One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime while one in 36 men will die of the disease, which the American Cancer Society names as the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. This year alone nearly 250,000 men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis.
In DuPage County, about 159 of every 100,000 men are affected, according to the National Cancer Institute.
September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, CyberKnife Center of Chicago encourages men to educate themselves on the risk factors, get screened and, if already facing a diagnosis, research available treatment options.
“Regular screenings can help ensure early detection of prostate cancer,” said Dr. Joy Coleman, CyberKnife Center of Chicago medical director. “Men typically are encouraged to begin screenings after the age of 50 when the risk of developing the disease increases.”
Well-established risk factors for prostate cancer include age, ethnicity and family history of the disease, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Recent studies show high-fat diets might increase risks as well.
It's the single most diagnosed cancer in men, and typically doesn't exhibit symptoms in the early stages. Once it reaches an advanced stage, prostate cancer can spread to surrounding bones causing pain.
“For those who have received a prostate cancer diagnosis, researching treatment options and talking with your doctor about the best course of treatment is important,” explains Dr. Coleman. “While it may not be appropriate for all prostate cancer patients, CyberKnife can offer several benefits for patients, particularly in regards to quality of life issues.”
The CyberKnife, which offers a noninvasive treatment option for eradicating tumors with high-dose radiation precisely aimed from different angles, is capable of treating prostate patients in as few as five daily treatments. Its pinpoint accuracy spares healthy tissue, and its noninvasive nature means no hospital stay or lengthy recovery time.
According to a recent study, 93 percent of low-risk prostate cancer patients treated with the CyberKnife had no recurrence of their cancer five years later – a rate that compares favorably with other treatments, including surgery and conventional radiation therapy. Moreover, the study confirmed that CyberKnife's ability to spare healthy tissue minimizes side effects associated with some other prostate cancer treatments.
CyberKnife Center of Chicago treats malignant and benign tumors in the brain, spine, lung, liver, pancreas, prostate, kidney and eye. Prostate cancer is one of the three most frequently treated diseases at CyberKnife Center of Chicago.
Contact CyberKnife Center of Chicago at (331) 221-2050 or at www.chicagock.com to determine if you or a loved one may be a CyberKnife candidate. Most insurance plans and Medicare are accepted.
In partnership with Elmhurst Memorial Hospital and Nuclear Oncology Medical Care, CyberKnife Center of Chicago is located at 200 Berteau Ave. in Elmhurst, Ill.