September has been designated National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to direct attention to the most common cancer in men besides skin cancer. Approximately one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Finding prostate cancer early can help improve one’s prognosis. Sturdy Memorial Hospital’s Cancer Care physicians, in accordance with organizations including the ACS and the American Urological Association (AUA), recommend that men who are in good health and who have more than a 10-15 year life expectancy should discuss and make informed decisions about prostate cancer screening with their physicians.
Screening for prostate cancer has sparked controversy nationwide, with some researchers debating the accuracy and usefulness of the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and weighing its benefits against the many side effects of more invasive follow-up testing. Nonetheless, many physicians and organizations advocate for screening because they help detect cancers before they reach advanced stages and therefore improve treatment outcomes.
For more information about prostate cancer care, diagnostic modalities, screenings, support groups, and treatment options at Sturdy, visit www.sturdymemorial.org. Sturdy Memorial Hospital is a full-service, independent, financially stable, not-for-profit, acute care community hospital in Attleboro, Massachusetts.
