The Urology Group of New Jersey Celebrates Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Clark, NJ (August 31, 2015) - Are you on top of your “prostate profile”? September marks the annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity for education and awareness. Dr. Alan Krieger, president of the Urology Group of New Jersey, has made it the mission of his practice to focus on this campaign. “The main goal is to get men thinking about prostate health, including prostate cancer,” he says.

Every year, more than 29,000 men will die of prostate cancer, making it the second leading cause of cancer death of men in the U.S. However, if diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate is almost 100 percent. At 10 years post diagnosis, 98 percent of men diagnosed early remain alive.

Screening, done by a urologist or a primary care physician, consists of a medical and family history, digital rectal exam (DRE) and PSA blood test.

A digital rectal exam is an examination of the lower rectum, which is used to check the size of the prostate and to look for abnormal bumps or other changes of the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a man’s blood. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The blood level of PSA is often elevated in men with prostate cancer.

Widespread publicity regarding PSA blood screening has been contradictory as of late with some organizations dismissing the general use of the PSA blood screening. This has caused extensive confusion. But Dr. Krieger says that discussing the issue with a knowledgeable physician is vital. Ultimately the goal of screening should be clear.

“A well-informed and educated patient, who helps with the decision making process about the direction of how they wish to be treated, is paramount, especially with the changing medical landscape,” says Krieger.

Dr. Krieger adheres to the recommendations of the American Urologic Association. For men of average risk, screening should begin at age 50. For those who are younger than 55, but at a higher risk (i.e., positive family history or African American race), or who express a concern about prostate cancer, decisions regarding prostate cancer screening should be individualized.

The greatest benefit of screening appears to be in men ages 55 to 69, but Dr. Krieger believes that any man of any age who has urinary symptoms or a family history of prostate cancer should be seen by a urologist.

About Urology Group of New Jersey

Urology Group of New Jersey (UGNJ) features 25 physicians among whom are a radiation and medical oncologist and urogynecologist. They practice in a dozen locations in Essex, Hudson, Morris and Union counties, including a prostate-specific cancer center. UGNJ recently became one of the very first physician practices in the U.S. to receive full accreditation by the Joint Commission for all 12 of its locations. In its prostate-specific cancer center, UGNJ features access to robotic urologic surgery specialists, clinical trials and a monthly prostate cancer support group.