Prostate Cancer
Early Detection Saves Lives



Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, following lung cancer. It affects one in every six in the United States. If caught early, the survival rate for prostate cancer is 90 percent. In some cases, men who are diagnosed can avoid radiation and surgery, which can have unpleasant side effects.

"The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid, which transports sperm," explains Yousef Salem, MD, urologist at Inova Alexandria Hospital. "Because it is located so close to the bladder and the rectum, and is also connected to crucial nerves involved in erection, treatment for prostate cancer can cause many side effects that decrease urinary and sexual functioning."

	Yousef Salem, MD Yousef Salem, MD, will be offering a free prostate screening followed by a special lecture on Sept. 15. Screenings will be held at 5 p.m. The lecture will start at 7 p.m. at Inova Alexandria Hospital. Appointments are required. Please call 855-My-Inova (694-6682) or click here to register.

In 2009, 192,000 new cases were
diagnosed and 27,000 men died
from the disease. There is an
increased risk of prostate cancer
among African-Americans and men
with a known family history of
prostate cancer. Therefore, public
awareness and education, as well
as the institution of screening
measures such as the prostate-
specific antigen test, which
measures the level of PSA in the
blood; and the digital rectal
examination have led to early
diagnosis of cancer and more
curable treatment for most
patients. Also, given the increased
incidence of earlier diagnosis of
prostate cancer, men are living
longer with the disease.

Screening can determine whether cancer is present. But because of these tests' limitations, last year the American Cancer Society revised its screening guidelines. It recommends that doctors more heavily involve their patients in the decision about whether to be screened for prostate cancer.

A new Johns Hopkins study finds that the presence of cancer in some cases does not warrant surgery or radiation. Delaying treatment for men diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer posed no added risk of death, according to the study. Instead, as long as the cancer's progression and tumor growth are closely monitored through "active surveillance," there is no dramatic worsening of the disease over time. A total of 769 men participated in the study, which was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Most were 65 and older.

"The study provides strong evidence that surveillance may be the best clinical reaction to a diagnosis in certain cases," Dr. Salem notes.