Presence Oncologist Offers Insight for Prostate Cancer Month

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: A time to make sure every loved male in your life is equipped with information about their prostate health. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), approximately 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives, and a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. Ninety-seven percent of cases occur in men 50 and older. If you or someone you know has prostate cancer or is at risk for developing it, it’s important to know what to expect, the treatment options available, and how to take action now.

Radiation oncologist Bryan Macrie, MD, who serves on staff at Presence Saint Joseph Hospital – Elgin, says, “Prostate cancer occurs when cells that make up the prostate gland acquire mutations in their genetic code, which allows them to grow in an uncontrolled fashion.” Unfortunately, warning signs for prostate cancer are not apparent in the disease’s early stages, so it’s important to know how to catch the disease at its onset. “The possibility of prostate cancer is first detected by a new abnormality found on the digital (finger) prostate exam, and/or an abnormally large amount of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) found in the blood,” says Dr. Macrie.

According to the PCF, when detected early, prostate cancer is highly treatable. The Meadows Regional Cancer Care Center at Presence Saint Joseph Hospital in Elgin offers state-of-the-art treatment options that optimize recovery while minimizing side effects. It is the only cancer center in the Fox River Valley to utilize SpaceOAR®, a new tool proven to protect prostate cancer patients from the negative effects of radiation therapy. In addition to external radiation options, the Center offers prostate seed implants to appropriate patients. “This treatment – the placement of radioactive sources directly into the prostate gland – is completed in a single, highly successful, outpatient surgical procedure,” says Dr. Macrie.

While prostate cancer poses a threat for men as they age, there are certain actions one can take for prevention. Dr. Macrie provides the following five tips to help men prevent prostate cancer:

• Be aware of your family history; if other male relatives have been affected by prostate cancer, discuss the value of earlier PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) screening with your doctor.
• Follow a healthy diet that's low in red meat and high in fruits and vegetables.
• Work to maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular exercise.
• Even in the absence of family history, see your internist at least once a year and discuss the benefits and risks of PSA screening.
• Focus on ways you can reduce stress in your life at home and work.

To learn more about cancer treatment options at Presence Saint Joseph Hospital – Elgin, call 847.931.5520. You can also visit www.presencehealth.org/presence-saint-joseph-hospital-elgin-cancer-care.