Prostate Cancer: Detection, Prevention & Treatment

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in American men. Genetics and age play a role in its development. But what other risks are involved? Below you will find information including frequently asked questions about prostate cancer along with information on screening and treatments for prostate cancer. EJGH is recognized as the region’s only member of the MD Anderson Cancer Network, that affiliation, which gives our member physicians access to the exact treatments and pathways used at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Texas, gives our patients not only greater hope, but also the highest levels of care possible in our region. Below you will see how EJGH has innovated the biopsy and treatment methods associated with this cancer. If you, or someone you know, needs to consult with a physician regarding your prostate health, contact HealthFinder at 504-456-5000. They will be happy to connect you with a physician who meets your health and insurance needs.

What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, and in most men, it grows very slowly. There are often no early prostate cancer symptoms. Prostate cancer treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, cryotherapy, hormonal therapy, and/or radiation. In some instances, doctors recommend “watchful waiting.”

What Causes Prostate Cancer?
Diet and genetics may be factored in prostate cancer development, but they are not the only ones. Research shows that our lifestyle choices factor in as well. Drinking, smoking, and other choices can significantly heighten your risk factors. Age, race and family history, even a sedentary lifestyle can play a factor as well.

How Can I Prevent Prostate Cancer?
It may not be possible to prevent prostate cancer, but you may be able to lower your risk. Taking Vitamin E, moving to a leaner diet high in fruits and vegetables, eliminating tobacco, minimizing your alcohol intake, exercising regularly, and managing stress can all be beneficial in prevention/risk reduction.

Is Prostate Cancer Screening Necessary?
Despite the controversy, most doctors agree the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test remains an important and necessary diagnostic tool. Men over 50 should absolutely add a prostate screening to their annual exam regimen.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Some screening tests are used because they have been shown to be helpful both in finding cancers early and decreasing the chance of dying from these cancers. Other tests are used because they have been shown to find cancer in some people; however, it has not been proven in clinical trials that the use of these tests will decrease the risk of dying from cancer.

Scientists study screening tests to find those with the fewest risks and most benefits. Cancer screening trials also are meant to show whether early detection (finding cancer before it causes symptoms) decreases a person’s chance of dying from the disease. For some types of cancer, finding and treating the disease at an early stage may result in a better chance of recovery.

There is no standard or routine screening test for prostate cancer.

Screening tests for prostate cancer are under study, and there are screening clinical trials taking place in many parts of the country. Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov

Tests to detect prostate cancer that is being studied include the following:

• A digital rectal exam (DRE) is an exam of the rectum. The doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of the rectum to feel the prostate for lumps or anything else that seems unusual.
• A prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) is a test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made mostly by the prostate that may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate cancer. The level of PSA may also be high in men who have an infection or inflammation of the prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; an enlarged, but noncancerous, prostate). If a man has a high PSA level and a biopsy of the prostate does not show cancer, a prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) test may be done. This test measures the amount of PCA3 in the urine. If the PCA3 level is high, another biopsy may help diagnose prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Treatment at EJGH

East Jefferson General Hospital has a tremendous track record in the treatment of prostate cancer. In fact, prostate cancer was one of the four cancers, along with breast, lung, and blood cancers such as leukemia that EJGH first focused on in earning affiliation as a member of the MD Anderson Cancer Network. To that end, EJGH has been a leader in bringing the very latest techniques, technologies, and talent to bear in the fight against prostate cancer. From Radiation to Hormone Treatment to Robotic Surgery, EJGH has been an innovative, AND EFFECTIVE fighter against prostate cancer.

Introducing UroNav: a Breakthrough in Prostate Cancer Detection

EJGH is proud to introduce a powerful new solution for targeted biopsy of the prostate. The UroNav fusion biopsy system offers a cutting-edge option for many patients with elevated and/or rising PSA levels. UroNav fuses pre-biopsy MR images of the prostate with ultrasound-guided biopsy images in real-time, for excellent delineation of the prostate and suspicious lesions.

Targeted MR/ultrasound biopsy is poised to become the new standard in prostate care, and EJGH is pleased to offer this powerful solution to our patients.

CLICK HERE to learn more about UroNav.

EJGH: A Leader in Robotic Surgery

With the addition of the S-Generation da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, East Jefferson General Hospital stands at the fore in the areas of robotic and minimally invasive surgery. Traditional prostate surgery calls for an incision running from the navel to the groin. The surgery is usually followed by several days of hospitalization and a recovery period that can take weeks.

Today, da Vinci represents the gold standard in prostatectomy. Robotic Prostatectomy allows for three incisions that are each less than an inch long. Patients are usually hospitalized for a couple of days and recovery times are reduced by several days.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System at EJGH.