When Brad Rhoden found out in May that he had prostate cancer, he recalls being in a state of denial. He refrained from telling people, waited several weeks to break the news to his family and began searching for options.
"Obviously, it hit me like a ton of bricks," he said. "For a couple weeks I didn't say anything, so I started doing research."
Now, five months later, with the hope of completing radiation treatments by the end of the month, Rhoden, 56, is sharing his story via a blog at unwind.topeka.net.
"I'd like to make more awareness because one out of six men will get prostate cancer sometime during their life," Rhoden said. "A substantial number will not know they have prostate cancer and a few will die, but it is an issue men need to be aware of."
In high school, Rhoden was a sprinter and faster than many of his competitors. But years later in 1986, while going through a separation and divorce, he needed a focus, something to reduce stress, so he turned to long-distance running.
He estimates since then he has run about 60,000 miles, including 127 marathons.
"My old track coach, who is long deceased, after I ran a marathon or two, said he couldn't even get me to run a quarter-mile," Rhoden said.
Running hasn't only provided Rhoden with a channel for life's frustrations, it gave him a second chance at love and a running partner. He has been married to his wife, Marla, for 15 years.
In March, Rhoden said he began noticing symptoms, which prompted a visit to his doctor. A month later he visited his urologist for a biopsy and a series of tests.
Then, as he was getting ready to run a marathon in early May, severe cramping in his legs led Rhoden to scratch himself from the event.
"It's the first time I've ever dropped out of a marathon," he said.
The next day he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, despite being otherwise healthy. He said his grandfather had prostate cancer, and his father had troubles with his prostate, but no cancer.
Rhoden opted for external beam radiation after receiving hormone therapy to reduce his enlarged prostate. Physically, the toll of the cancer, radiation treatments and hormone therapy has slowed him down. But mentally, he is determined. He said fatigue is the main side effect.
"(Running) is more of a struggle, more of an effort," he said. "I'm just kind of stubborn. I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing."
In fact, Rhoden has been able to run every day since Aug. 16.
"(The doctor) indicated the other day that hopefully the radiation is working, and hopefully I won't need another hormone therapy shot," Rhoden said.
His battle with cancer has helped him appreciate other people's struggles, and he feels fortunate that prostate cancer is curable. He continues to run and has several events lined up if his body will allow him.
"It's helped me greatly," Rhoden said of running. "It gives me something to look forward to every day. It's a part of my life. I'm going to keep doing it. Hopefully, it's just a minor setback in my life."
Friday, October 30, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Ultrasound Treatment Being Considered for Prostate
Doctors who treat prostate cancer are looking at a new treatment using ultrasound waves. At this point, it is still in the study stages, but it could one day be an alternative for some men fighting the disease.
The treatment is called high-intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU. Doctors need to conduct studies to understand exactly how effective it is and what it can do for patients.
The technology is exciting because it is minimally invasive, meaning no cuts and no radiation. Right now, the study is on men whose cancer has returned.
A computerized console and a probe are the two main tools the physicians use in this procedure. They are the tools that will direct and carry the ultrasound waves right into the prostate of the patient on the table.
One patient is 71-year-old Ronald Secoda. Eight years ago, he was treated with radiation therapy. But now his cancer his returned. He chose to be in the clinical study because he doesn't want to have surgery.
"I've never been in a hospital," he said. "I don't know how I could even cope with an operation."
Secoda is only the third person in New York to undergo the procedure, which is done with general anesthesia.
In order to destroy the cancerous tissue with the ultrasound waves, the doctors first map the prostate into sections. The probe, which is anally inserted, is set to carry pulses of high intensity focused waves into each section and hopefully destroy all the cancerous tissue.
Dr. William Huang, of the NYU Langone Medical Center, is the investigating surgeon.
"The concept here is ablating or destroying prostate tissue cancer without causing collateral damage to surrounding structures, without cutting or removing body parts," he said.
Dr. Huang says when compared to surgery, side effects like incontinence and impotence are low, about 10 to 15 percent.
"This has already been treated, this is damaged tissue," he said. "Irradiated tissue, and we're still trying to treat it without causing major side effects."
Ten hospitals around the country are involved in the trials with patients who have a recurrence, but whose cancer has not spread beyond the prostate. When the studies are finished, they'll have more information as to how the patients do over the long term. The treatment is already used to treat enlarged prostate.
The treatment is called high-intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU. Doctors need to conduct studies to understand exactly how effective it is and what it can do for patients.
The technology is exciting because it is minimally invasive, meaning no cuts and no radiation. Right now, the study is on men whose cancer has returned.
A computerized console and a probe are the two main tools the physicians use in this procedure. They are the tools that will direct and carry the ultrasound waves right into the prostate of the patient on the table.
One patient is 71-year-old Ronald Secoda. Eight years ago, he was treated with radiation therapy. But now his cancer his returned. He chose to be in the clinical study because he doesn't want to have surgery.
"I've never been in a hospital," he said. "I don't know how I could even cope with an operation."
Secoda is only the third person in New York to undergo the procedure, which is done with general anesthesia.
In order to destroy the cancerous tissue with the ultrasound waves, the doctors first map the prostate into sections. The probe, which is anally inserted, is set to carry pulses of high intensity focused waves into each section and hopefully destroy all the cancerous tissue.
Dr. William Huang, of the NYU Langone Medical Center, is the investigating surgeon.
"The concept here is ablating or destroying prostate tissue cancer without causing collateral damage to surrounding structures, without cutting or removing body parts," he said.
Dr. Huang says when compared to surgery, side effects like incontinence and impotence are low, about 10 to 15 percent.
"This has already been treated, this is damaged tissue," he said. "Irradiated tissue, and we're still trying to treat it without causing major side effects."
Ten hospitals around the country are involved in the trials with patients who have a recurrence, but whose cancer has not spread beyond the prostate. When the studies are finished, they'll have more information as to how the patients do over the long term. The treatment is already used to treat enlarged prostate.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Cancer Awareness Campaign Launches
The American Urological Association is partnering with the NFL for a GSK-supported prostate cancer awareness campaign with the message that men should start getting tested at age 40.
The “Know Your Stats About Prostate Cancer” campaign includes print and broadcast PSAs featuring 27 retired NFL Hall of Famers, including prostate cancer survivor Michael Haynes, diagnosed with the disease last year through a free NFL Player Care Foundation screening conducted by the AUA Foundation.
One in six men will be diagnosed with the disease and African-American men like Haynes are twice as likely to die from the disease. Haynes, 56, made his name playing cornerback with the Patriots and the Raiders.
The campaign, which launched in September and is set to run through March, also features a website, KnowYourStats.org. Zeno Group holds the PR assignment for the effort, while Boston Group handled the ads.
The “Know Your Stats About Prostate Cancer” campaign includes print and broadcast PSAs featuring 27 retired NFL Hall of Famers, including prostate cancer survivor Michael Haynes, diagnosed with the disease last year through a free NFL Player Care Foundation screening conducted by the AUA Foundation.
One in six men will be diagnosed with the disease and African-American men like Haynes are twice as likely to die from the disease. Haynes, 56, made his name playing cornerback with the Patriots and the Raiders.
The campaign, which launched in September and is set to run through March, also features a website, KnowYourStats.org. Zeno Group holds the PR assignment for the effort, while Boston Group handled the ads.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
“You have prostate cancer.” These are four words no man wants to hear. But according to the American Cancer Society an estimated 232,090 men in the U.S. will receive this news in 2005 (Source:www.cancer.org).
Prostate cancer may be frightening, but if your physician finds prostate cancer at an early stage, your chances of survival are excellent. Medical science has made great strides in detecting prostate cancer and treating the disease.
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you face an important decision. Which treatment is best for you? In the past, common treatment options for prostate cancer may have seemed harsh, unpredictable, or had alarming side effects.
For these and other reasons, including the fact that prostate cancer tends to be slow growing, some men choose a course of action called “watchful waiting.” This means routinely monitoring the progress of the disease without specific treatment, while being alert to the possible spread of the disease. But this carries some risks; for example, the cancer may grow beyond the prostate gland before your next doctor visit.
Fortunately, advances in technology have led to improvements in treatment. Today there are several minimally-invasive treatments available for prostate cancer. In choosing a treatment, you should look for one that combines the best possible outcome with minimal side effects. There are two major minimally-invasive treatments for prostate cancer today.
Brachytherapy
With brachytherapy, small radioactive seeds are implanted into the prostate where they irradiate prostate tissue. Side effects and discomfort are minimal, and the entire procedure usually takes less than an hour. For most patients this is an outpatient procedure and they go home the same day, returning to normal activities a few days later
Cryotherapy
With cryotherapy, thin needles are inserted into the prostate. Extremely cold gases flow through the needles forming ice balls at the tips of the needles, literally freezes the prostate, eradicating the cancer. Cryotherapy reduces the pain, risks, and long recovery times associated with surgery. Most patients are mobile the same day, and many are discharged the same day and return to normal activity within a few days.
(Source: Prostate Cancer Institute)
Prostate cancer may be frightening, but if your physician finds prostate cancer at an early stage, your chances of survival are excellent. Medical science has made great strides in detecting prostate cancer and treating the disease.
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you face an important decision. Which treatment is best for you? In the past, common treatment options for prostate cancer may have seemed harsh, unpredictable, or had alarming side effects.
For these and other reasons, including the fact that prostate cancer tends to be slow growing, some men choose a course of action called “watchful waiting.” This means routinely monitoring the progress of the disease without specific treatment, while being alert to the possible spread of the disease. But this carries some risks; for example, the cancer may grow beyond the prostate gland before your next doctor visit.
Fortunately, advances in technology have led to improvements in treatment. Today there are several minimally-invasive treatments available for prostate cancer. In choosing a treatment, you should look for one that combines the best possible outcome with minimal side effects. There are two major minimally-invasive treatments for prostate cancer today.
Brachytherapy
With brachytherapy, small radioactive seeds are implanted into the prostate where they irradiate prostate tissue. Side effects and discomfort are minimal, and the entire procedure usually takes less than an hour. For most patients this is an outpatient procedure and they go home the same day, returning to normal activities a few days later
Cryotherapy
With cryotherapy, thin needles are inserted into the prostate. Extremely cold gases flow through the needles forming ice balls at the tips of the needles, literally freezes the prostate, eradicating the cancer. Cryotherapy reduces the pain, risks, and long recovery times associated with surgery. Most patients are mobile the same day, and many are discharged the same day and return to normal activity within a few days.
(Source: Prostate Cancer Institute)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
"New Zero" for PSA Defined
A team of Northwestern University researchers, using an extremely sensitive tool based on nanotechnology, has detected previously undetectable levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy.
The researchers found measureable PSA levels in each post-operative patient in its study, thanks to the power of the nanoparticle-based bio-barcode assay developed at Northwestern. The technology is 300 times more sensitive than commercially available PSA tests. After the removal of the prostate gland, patients typically have PSA levels that are undetectable when measured using conventional diagnostic tools.
This ability to easily and quickly detect very low levels of PSA may enable doctors to diagnose men with prostate cancer recurrence years earlier than is currently possible. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for men in the United States. (Only lung cancer is more deadly.)
'We have defined a new zero for PSA,' said Chad A. Mirkin, George B. Rathmann Professor of Chemistry in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, professor of medicine and professor of materials science and engineering. 'This level of sensitivity in detecting low concentrations of PSA will take the blinders off the medical community, especially when it comes to tracking residual disease.'
The researchers found measureable PSA levels in each post-operative patient in its study, thanks to the power of the nanoparticle-based bio-barcode assay developed at Northwestern. The technology is 300 times more sensitive than commercially available PSA tests. After the removal of the prostate gland, patients typically have PSA levels that are undetectable when measured using conventional diagnostic tools.
This ability to easily and quickly detect very low levels of PSA may enable doctors to diagnose men with prostate cancer recurrence years earlier than is currently possible. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for men in the United States. (Only lung cancer is more deadly.)
'We have defined a new zero for PSA,' said Chad A. Mirkin, George B. Rathmann Professor of Chemistry in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, professor of medicine and professor of materials science and engineering. 'This level of sensitivity in detecting low concentrations of PSA will take the blinders off the medical community, especially when it comes to tracking residual disease.'
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Some interesting items found at the Associated Urologists of Orange County website:
Cryoablation therapy for prostate benefits include:
A minimally invasive procedure
Favorable success rates
Low complication rates
A short recuperation period
Procedure can be repeated if the first cryoablation has failed
It is less costly than other traditional treatments
Avoids traditional surgery and radiation
What is cryoablation?
Cryoablation of the prostate is a relatively new technique to treat prostate cancer. It is also called cryotherapy, cryosurgery, or just "cryo." It involves the controlled freezing of the prostate gland in order to destroy cancerous cells. Freezing occurs at the molecular, cellular and whole tissue structure levels. The small blood vessels feeding the cancer are destroyed by the freezing as well, further adding to the efficacy of the procedure.
Who are suitable candidates for cryoablation of the prostate?
Patients with organ-confined prostate cancer (stage T1-T3) and with cancer recurrence after radiation therapy are suitable candidates for cryoablation.
How is the procedure performed?
Under anesthesia, an ultrasound probe is inserted in the rectum. The prostate is imaged and measured. A computerized program is used to plan the treatment. Thermoprobes and cryoprobes are placed through the perineum at predetermined sites within the prostate. Freezing is started and monitored continuously both visually thru the transrectal ultrasound and by computer. Two freezing cycles are usually done.
Post-operative care
Patients are observed overnight in the hospital and discharged the day following the procedure with a suprapubic urinary catheter in place for drainage. The catheter is taken out few days later after the patient is able to void on his own. Pain associated with the procedure is minimal and usually controlled with oral pain medications. Other symptoms and signs patients may experience are generalized fatigue for a few days, scrotal swelling, urethral discharge and irritative urinary symptoms. All these problems subside within two to three weeks after cryoablation.
A PSA test is usually done at three months after cryoablation and repeated every three months. Close patient follow-up is mandatory to detect and treat potential cancer recurrence early.
Results of cryoablation
Seven and ten –year results show clinical outcomes after cryoablation comparable to those achieved with radiation therapy (conformal and brachytherapy) and surgery. Unlike radiation therapy, cryoablation can be repeated in case of cancer recurrence.
A minimally invasive procedure
Favorable success rates
Low complication rates
A short recuperation period
Procedure can be repeated if the first cryoablation has failed
It is less costly than other traditional treatments
Avoids traditional surgery and radiation
What is cryoablation?
Cryoablation of the prostate is a relatively new technique to treat prostate cancer. It is also called cryotherapy, cryosurgery, or just "cryo." It involves the controlled freezing of the prostate gland in order to destroy cancerous cells. Freezing occurs at the molecular, cellular and whole tissue structure levels. The small blood vessels feeding the cancer are destroyed by the freezing as well, further adding to the efficacy of the procedure.
Who are suitable candidates for cryoablation of the prostate?
Patients with organ-confined prostate cancer (stage T1-T3) and with cancer recurrence after radiation therapy are suitable candidates for cryoablation.
How is the procedure performed?
Under anesthesia, an ultrasound probe is inserted in the rectum. The prostate is imaged and measured. A computerized program is used to plan the treatment. Thermoprobes and cryoprobes are placed through the perineum at predetermined sites within the prostate. Freezing is started and monitored continuously both visually thru the transrectal ultrasound and by computer. Two freezing cycles are usually done.
Post-operative care
Patients are observed overnight in the hospital and discharged the day following the procedure with a suprapubic urinary catheter in place for drainage. The catheter is taken out few days later after the patient is able to void on his own. Pain associated with the procedure is minimal and usually controlled with oral pain medications. Other symptoms and signs patients may experience are generalized fatigue for a few days, scrotal swelling, urethral discharge and irritative urinary symptoms. All these problems subside within two to three weeks after cryoablation.
A PSA test is usually done at three months after cryoablation and repeated every three months. Close patient follow-up is mandatory to detect and treat potential cancer recurrence early.
Results of cryoablation
Seven and ten –year results show clinical outcomes after cryoablation comparable to those achieved with radiation therapy (conformal and brachytherapy) and surgery. Unlike radiation therapy, cryoablation can be repeated in case of cancer recurrence.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Zero - The Project to End Prostate Cancer
Zero-the project to end prostate cancer, sponsored an event on Capitol Hill on September 23-24. The event brought the largest gathering of prostate cancer advocates ever to meet on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Congressman Jim Marshell (D-GA) spoke about the Thomas J. Manton Early Detection and Treatment act, a proposal he plans to introduce that will provide early detection and treatment of prostate cancer for under-insured and uninsured men. The congressman also stressed the need for health care reform legislation in order to curb rising medical costs that, if left unchecked, would imperil the nation’s economy over the next two decades.
The two-day summit was packed with more than 100 meeting as attendees visited their elected officials. The summit also focused on developing effective prostate cancer grassroots networks in local communities to build greater awareness and support across the U.S.
This year marked Zero's 10th anniversary of bringing advocates together from across the U.S. to discuss key issues facing the prostate cancer community. It is the only summit annually held on Capitol Hill that specifically focuses on prostate cancer.
“The Summit to End Prostate Cancer represents an annual opportunity during September, known as prostate cancer awareness month, for supporters nationwide to gather in Washington, D.C. to speak up about prostate cancer and raise awareness of the importance of Federal Funding and other issues to help us achieve our goal of Zero Prostate Cancer," said Zero's CEO Skip Lockwood.
Congressman Jim Marshell (D-GA) spoke about the Thomas J. Manton Early Detection and Treatment act, a proposal he plans to introduce that will provide early detection and treatment of prostate cancer for under-insured and uninsured men. The congressman also stressed the need for health care reform legislation in order to curb rising medical costs that, if left unchecked, would imperil the nation’s economy over the next two decades.
The two-day summit was packed with more than 100 meeting as attendees visited their elected officials. The summit also focused on developing effective prostate cancer grassroots networks in local communities to build greater awareness and support across the U.S.
This year marked Zero's 10th anniversary of bringing advocates together from across the U.S. to discuss key issues facing the prostate cancer community. It is the only summit annually held on Capitol Hill that specifically focuses on prostate cancer.
“The Summit to End Prostate Cancer represents an annual opportunity during September, known as prostate cancer awareness month, for supporters nationwide to gather in Washington, D.C. to speak up about prostate cancer and raise awareness of the importance of Federal Funding and other issues to help us achieve our goal of Zero Prostate Cancer," said Zero's CEO Skip Lockwood.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Ten Top Prostate Cancer Myths
Here are the top prostate cancer myths and the information to expose common misconceptions about issues related to prostate cancer:
1. Prostate cancer is only found in elderly men.
While prostate cancer rates increase as men get older, it can be found in all ages of men. This is one of the more common prostate cancer myths that should be exposed, as more and more men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer and undergoing treatment for prostate cancer while in their forties and fifties.
2. No symptoms equals no prostate cancer.
Because of new treatment detections, men with prostate cancer can be diagnosed with little or no symptoms of prostate cancer. While there is no prostate cancer cure, the PSA test can provide an early detection before symptoms actually manifest. Common symptoms of urology prostate cancer as well as prostate cancer itself are hesitancy and frequency in urinary issues. Dribbling can also be a red flag but does not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer.
3. While prostate cancer is common, there are few men who actually die from the disease.
There is no prostate cancer cure but there are effective prostate cancer treatments that improve the success rate for men suffering from this disease. However, it must be recognized that prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among men battling cancer in the United States.
4. A low level PSA determines that you do not have prostate cancer.
A low level PSA does not mean that you do not have prostate cancer because the test is not perfect. A prostate biopsy is the only fool-proof way to diagnose this type of cancer.
5. A high level PSA determines that you have prostate cancer.
There are many causes for a high level PSA. Besides prostate cancer, prostate inflammation or infection can also cause elevated PSA levels. Riding a bicycle or horse can also cause an increase in PSA.
6. Vasectomies can cause prostate cancer or urology prostate cancer.
There is no research to back up this common misconception.
7. Prostate cancer can be passed to others.
Cancer of any kind is not infectious. Prostate cancer is not communicable and therefore cannot be passed on to someone else.
8. Impotence and incontinence always occurs with prostate cancer treatments.
Although these side effects may occur immediately following prostate cancer surgery, not all men suffer from impotence or incontinence. Treating prostate cancer does not always cause these side effects and the prostate cancer new treatment brings about therapies that can actually improve sexual performance.
9. If your PSA levels are low, you do not require further examination.
As previously discussed, a low PSA level does not mean that you have prostate cancer, but a DRE or digital rectal examination may be ordered by the doctor to rule this out for sure. As there is no prostate cancer cure, it is important to abide by doctor’s orders.
10. The prostate cancer rate in the USA is on the rise.
While prostate cancer rates have increased in the USA over the previous years, the current rate remains stable, with the help of prostate cancer new treatment and early detection procedures.
1. Prostate cancer is only found in elderly men.
While prostate cancer rates increase as men get older, it can be found in all ages of men. This is one of the more common prostate cancer myths that should be exposed, as more and more men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer and undergoing treatment for prostate cancer while in their forties and fifties.
2. No symptoms equals no prostate cancer.
Because of new treatment detections, men with prostate cancer can be diagnosed with little or no symptoms of prostate cancer. While there is no prostate cancer cure, the PSA test can provide an early detection before symptoms actually manifest. Common symptoms of urology prostate cancer as well as prostate cancer itself are hesitancy and frequency in urinary issues. Dribbling can also be a red flag but does not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer.
3. While prostate cancer is common, there are few men who actually die from the disease.
There is no prostate cancer cure but there are effective prostate cancer treatments that improve the success rate for men suffering from this disease. However, it must be recognized that prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among men battling cancer in the United States.
4. A low level PSA determines that you do not have prostate cancer.
A low level PSA does not mean that you do not have prostate cancer because the test is not perfect. A prostate biopsy is the only fool-proof way to diagnose this type of cancer.
5. A high level PSA determines that you have prostate cancer.
There are many causes for a high level PSA. Besides prostate cancer, prostate inflammation or infection can also cause elevated PSA levels. Riding a bicycle or horse can also cause an increase in PSA.
6. Vasectomies can cause prostate cancer or urology prostate cancer.
There is no research to back up this common misconception.
7. Prostate cancer can be passed to others.
Cancer of any kind is not infectious. Prostate cancer is not communicable and therefore cannot be passed on to someone else.
8. Impotence and incontinence always occurs with prostate cancer treatments.
Although these side effects may occur immediately following prostate cancer surgery, not all men suffer from impotence or incontinence. Treating prostate cancer does not always cause these side effects and the prostate cancer new treatment brings about therapies that can actually improve sexual performance.
9. If your PSA levels are low, you do not require further examination.
As previously discussed, a low PSA level does not mean that you have prostate cancer, but a DRE or digital rectal examination may be ordered by the doctor to rule this out for sure. As there is no prostate cancer cure, it is important to abide by doctor’s orders.
10. The prostate cancer rate in the USA is on the rise.
While prostate cancer rates have increased in the USA over the previous years, the current rate remains stable, with the help of prostate cancer new treatment and early detection procedures.
Forum Highlights Importance of Early Screening
During the commemoration of the 14th anniversary of the Million Man March, the Louis Farrakhan Prostate Cancer Foundation held a forum to highlight the importance of God, awareness, early screening and the need for proper nutrition in the battle against cancers prevalent in the poor communities of America.
The forum brought together several experts in various aspects of health care.
The foundation was launched in May of 2003 in conjunction with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan‘s 70th birth anniversary. The launch was themed “a party with a purpose” and drew attention to Minister Farrakhan's call to action for Black men to be proactive about the dreaded disease and their overall health.
According to statistics, black men suffer far worse health than any other racial group in America. There are a number of reasons for this, including racial discrimination, a lack of affordable health services, poor health education, cultural barriers, poverty, no health insurance and insufficient medical and social services catering to black men.
Statistics show that black men live 7.1 years less than other racial groups. Compared to women they experience disproportionately higher rates in all leading causes of death. Forty percent of black men die prematurely from cardiovascular disease as compared to 21 percent of white men and have a higher incidence and a higher rate of death from prostate cancer.
“It is awareness and lack of screening,” said panelist Maurice Muhammad, a state of Alabama magistrate and Nation of Islam Study Group Coordinator. Maurice Muhammad is involved in a partnership with health care providers in eight counties across the state to increase awareness and strongly advocate preventive action.
The forum brought together several experts in various aspects of health care.
The foundation was launched in May of 2003 in conjunction with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan‘s 70th birth anniversary. The launch was themed “a party with a purpose” and drew attention to Minister Farrakhan's call to action for Black men to be proactive about the dreaded disease and their overall health.
According to statistics, black men suffer far worse health than any other racial group in America. There are a number of reasons for this, including racial discrimination, a lack of affordable health services, poor health education, cultural barriers, poverty, no health insurance and insufficient medical and social services catering to black men.
Statistics show that black men live 7.1 years less than other racial groups. Compared to women they experience disproportionately higher rates in all leading causes of death. Forty percent of black men die prematurely from cardiovascular disease as compared to 21 percent of white men and have a higher incidence and a higher rate of death from prostate cancer.
“It is awareness and lack of screening,” said panelist Maurice Muhammad, a state of Alabama magistrate and Nation of Islam Study Group Coordinator. Maurice Muhammad is involved in a partnership with health care providers in eight counties across the state to increase awareness and strongly advocate preventive action.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Racial Disparities Narrow for Prostate Cancer Outcomes
Racial disparities in prostate cancer diagnosis narrowed dramatically from the late 1980s to the middle of this decade, according to a review of a large government database.
The proportion of newly diagnosed prostate cancers that were stage T3 or T4 decreased by more than 80% in white and black men alike. Age at diagnosis decreased among men of both races, investigators reported online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
"It will be important to examine whether more patients being diagnosed at earlier stages ultimately results in a decreased mortality from this highly prevalent malignancy and whether the narrowing of the racial disparity in the presentation of advanced prostate cancer is ultimately accompanied by a similar trend in mortality," Grace L. Lu-Yao, PhD, of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in New Brunswick, and colleagues concluded.
The incidence of prostate cancer has increased substantially since the introduction of PSA testing in the late 1980s. Some authorities had predicted that increased diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer would lead to a change in the risk profile of patients, the authors said. But representative population-based studies to examine prostate cancer risk profiles have been lacking.
To address the limitations of existing data, Lu-Yao and colleagues turned to the NIH-sponsored Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, which includes registries that cover about 26% of the U.S. population and that have 98% case ascertainment.
The authors generated a profile of 82,541 prostate cancer patients diagnosed during 2004 to 2005 and compared the data with profiles developed for patients diagnosed in 1988 to 1989 and 1996 to 1997.
From 1988 to 2005, the mean age of prostate cancer patients at diagnosis decreased from 72.2 to 67.2. During the same period, the incidence of T3-4 disease decreased from 52.7 to 7.9 per 100,000 among whites and from 90.9 to 13.3 per 100,000 among black men.
During 2004 to 2005, black men with prostate cancer were diagnosed at a younger age (64.7 versus 67.5 for white men, P<0.001), and they had a higher PSA level at diagnosis (7.4 versus 6.6 ng/mL, P<0.001).
The authors suggested the narrowing of racial disparities in prostate cancer reflects increased awareness of the need for PSA screening at a younger age in black men and other high-risk individuals, as recommended by the American Cancer Society and American Urological Association.
In support of that suggestion, they noted that a greater proportion of young black men have undergone PSA testing compared with white men of similar ages.
However, across all ages, more black men had high-risk prostate cancer compared with white men, the authors noted.
(Report taken from MedPageToday.com)
The proportion of newly diagnosed prostate cancers that were stage T3 or T4 decreased by more than 80% in white and black men alike. Age at diagnosis decreased among men of both races, investigators reported online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
"It will be important to examine whether more patients being diagnosed at earlier stages ultimately results in a decreased mortality from this highly prevalent malignancy and whether the narrowing of the racial disparity in the presentation of advanced prostate cancer is ultimately accompanied by a similar trend in mortality," Grace L. Lu-Yao, PhD, of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in New Brunswick, and colleagues concluded.
The incidence of prostate cancer has increased substantially since the introduction of PSA testing in the late 1980s. Some authorities had predicted that increased diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer would lead to a change in the risk profile of patients, the authors said. But representative population-based studies to examine prostate cancer risk profiles have been lacking.
To address the limitations of existing data, Lu-Yao and colleagues turned to the NIH-sponsored Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, which includes registries that cover about 26% of the U.S. population and that have 98% case ascertainment.
The authors generated a profile of 82,541 prostate cancer patients diagnosed during 2004 to 2005 and compared the data with profiles developed for patients diagnosed in 1988 to 1989 and 1996 to 1997.
From 1988 to 2005, the mean age of prostate cancer patients at diagnosis decreased from 72.2 to 67.2. During the same period, the incidence of T3-4 disease decreased from 52.7 to 7.9 per 100,000 among whites and from 90.9 to 13.3 per 100,000 among black men.
During 2004 to 2005, black men with prostate cancer were diagnosed at a younger age (64.7 versus 67.5 for white men, P<0.001), and they had a higher PSA level at diagnosis (7.4 versus 6.6 ng/mL, P<0.001).
The authors suggested the narrowing of racial disparities in prostate cancer reflects increased awareness of the need for PSA screening at a younger age in black men and other high-risk individuals, as recommended by the American Cancer Society and American Urological Association.
In support of that suggestion, they noted that a greater proportion of young black men have undergone PSA testing compared with white men of similar ages.
However, across all ages, more black men had high-risk prostate cancer compared with white men, the authors noted.
(Report taken from MedPageToday.com)
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