Active Surveillance: What Is It and Who Is a Candidate?

Prostate cancer is among the slowest growing of all cancers; thus, a diagnosis does not automatically mean reduced life expectancy. Many treatments are available at the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles, including whole gland procedures and focal treatments. The former includes aggressive therapies such as surgery or radiation while the latter group comprises less invasive procedures such as HIFU or MRI-fusion HIFU.

In many cases, aggressive treatment is unnecessary and even harmful. While they can certainly bring good results, they also carry risks such as increased chances of ED or urinary dysfunction. This might not work for men with the following:

• Early stage prostate cancer
• A small or localized tumor
• A non-aggressive tumor
• A low Gleason score

At the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles, our expert prostate cancer specialists have the training and experience to design a customized treatment plan that suits your given situation. Given that recovery and continuation of a normal life are not unlikely, a viable treatment that does not detract from your quality of life is important. One such treatment is active surveillance.

What Factors Should Be Considered before Devising a Treatment Plan?

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the following factors should be taken into account in order to create the proper treatment plan:

• Tumor size
• Tumor stage
• Aggressiveness of tumor
• Degree of spread (metastasis)
• Gleason score (tumor grade)
• PSA level
• Patient age
• Patient’s will to survive
• Overall health of patient
• Patient concerns

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, over half of all men newly diagnosed with the disease have low-risk prostate cancer, meaning that the tumor is unlikely to spread quickly or even at all. Yet, for a majority of those men, the treatment they receive is not only immediate but also aggressive.

How Does Active Surveillance Work?

Active surveillance as a viable treatment option has gained traction in recent years once it became obvious that aggressive treatment in low-risk cases creates more harm than good.

Men with a small, early-stage tumor or a low Gleason score most likely should not undergo immediate radical treatment. On the other hand, taking a wait-and-see attitude toward a metastasized tumor might not be the most effective plan.

Active surveillance should not be considered a form of “no treatment.” Instead of direct manipulation of the tumor or affected gland, it is a proactive monitoring of the tumor through regular exams, including DREs (digital rectal exams) or PSA testing (prostate specific antigens).

It could also be considered deferred treatment because you do undergo treatment once it becomes really necessary, thus avoiding the treatment side effects as long as safely possible. There is much documentation of men with the low-risk type of the disease readily surviving 10-15 years after diagnosis with simple, yet regular surveillance. The rate of metastasis or death is remarkably low, indicating that in these cases, immediate or aggressive treatment would not have improved the outcome; in fact, it could be argued that such types of treatment would have reduced their quality of life due to the unwanted side effects which can be significant.

The key to success with active surveillance is regular monitoring and undergoing prostate cancer treatment once the tumor becomes more aggressive.

What Happens Once Cancer Is Diagnosed?

If a patient has been diagnosed with localized or early stage cancer, active surveillance is a viable method of treatment; instead of being immediately treated, the tumor is monitored closely, specifically its growth and aggressiveness.

More aggressive prostate cancer treatment is implemented only when the tumor enlarges, the aggression increases or the patient decides to undergo such treatment.

What Happens to the Cancer During Active Surveillance?

The tumor remains in your body. Research suggests that in the decade after the original diagnosis for men undergoing active surveillance more than half don’t warrant treatment during that period.

The truth is that it’s not for everyone. It takes commitment and a willingness to follow the recommended active surveillance plan. Though customized to meet your goals and treat your specific case, a plan is based on the following:

• PSA level every 3-6 months
• Repeat prostate biopsy within 18 months of diagnosis (then as necessary afterward)
• DRE (rectal exam) at 6 months or 1 year

Why Is It Not for Everyone?

Because active surveillance treatment is passive, there is an increased chance that the tumor grows or spreads. This is especially true for patients who don’t follow the customized surveillance plan as prescribed by their doctor.

That’s why active surveillance works better for diligent patients willing to be proactive in following a prescribed set of guidelines that ensures his continued quality of life.

When is Active Surveillance Recommended?

Since many patients are treated more aggressively for cancer than is necessary to survive, a common question about treatment is when are conditions right for active surveillance?

Below are general guidelines that are considered ideal:

• Tumor is considered to be low risk
• PSA level less than 10
• Gleason score 6 or less (some consider select 7 cases for this as well)
• Tumor is small and confined to prostate (ideally less than 3 biopsied cores involved)

Another situation where active surveillance is also a useful approach for older men with a limited life expectancy, especially if they are also dealing with other ailments and chronic health issues. In such cases, immediate therapy might cause more complications with no meaningful benefit.

Learn more about watchful waiting for low-risk localized cancer at WebMD.com.

Contact the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles for More Information

Prostate cancer is beatable and we have a variety of prostate cancer treatment options to help you beat it. To schedule a consultation, contact the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles online or call our Beverly Hills office at 310.341.2557.

Next, read These 4 Crucial Symptoms May Mean You Have Prostate Cancer

The post Active Surveillance: What Is It and Who Is a Candidate? appeared first on Prostate Cancer Dr. in Los Angeles CA.

You’ve Been Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer – Now What?

First of all, a diagnosis is not the end of the world. Although the dreaded “C-word” diagnosis can be shocking, it’s important not to panic; your mindset will be the key to both a good prognosis and successful recovery. Millions of men have beaten prostate cancer and many millions more will, as well. Let’s make sure you know all your options and choose the best treatment plan.

Typically, prostate tumors grow slowly. Detection, especially early, all but ensures a full recovery and continuation of your normal life with a chance of cure. Even so, you might wonder what steps to take once you hear this unwelcome news, a refrain that the board-certified urologists at the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles hear often.

Here’s what we suggest.

A Second (or Third) Opinion

Your life may be on the line or, at the very least, your quality of life will be, based on the decisions you will make about your diagnosis. Don’t be shy – seek as many professional opinions as makes you comfortable. Make sure no misdiagnosis has been made that could lead to your being over-treated or under-treated. Educate yourself so you can choose wisely.

Find the Right Doctor

Find a doctor who is experienced, well-trained, board-certified, and has a successful track record of treating your condition. If you talk to a doctor who only does surgery or HIFU, it may be in your best interest to counsel with others who are skilled and trained in other methods of prostate cancer treatment as well, such as radiation therapy.

Furthermore, find a doctor with whom you’re comfortable. Often, patients overlook this but consider: you’re going through an emotional time and your doctor will be with you through the entire process. You should have someone you’re comfortable with – almost like a friend – who can guide you and give you objective expert advice and tailored insight every step of the way.

Gleason Score

Prostate cancer grade (Gleason score) is one of the most important prognostic factors. Your prostate biopsy sample will be inspected and graded on a scale of 2 to 10 by the pathologist:

• A score of 5 or less is a less aggressive tumor (mostly not even reported by pathologist)
• A 6 considered low risk (other factors also play into this)
• A score of 7 is considered intermediate
• Gleason scores 8 to 10 aggressive tumor with the highest levels of risk

Your Gleason Score will be a key factor in choosing the treatment.

Confirm the Location (Staging)

Where is the tumor? Is it localized? Or has it spread throughout the gland? Or, worse, has it metastasized outside the gland?

X-rays, CT scans, and bone scans can help determine the extent of cancer, another key component in deciding your treatment plan.

Learn more about cancer staging at WebMD.com.

Treatment Options

Once you have ascertained tumor size, the level of aggression, and the degree of metastasis, you and your doctor are better able to choose the best prostate cancer treatment. A low Gleason score or a small tumor, for example, might mean you wait, especially for older men, while a higher Gleason score or high aggression necessitates a proactive treatment.

Your overall health is also taken into account before deciding on one of the following options available in Los Angeles:

Whole Gland Treatment

This is common for prostate tumors that are either localized or have spread. Options for treating the whole gland include:

• Surgery
• Open surgery
• Laparoscopy
• Robotic prostatectomy
• Radiation treatment
• IMRT (external beam radiation treatment every day for eight and half weeks)
• Brachytherapy (internal radiation treatment in which “pods” are planted in the prostate to release radiation targeting the tumor at regular intervals)
• Cryotherapy – this freezes the prostate until the cancer cells are destroyed

Each whole gland cancer treatment is effective in varying degrees, yet each also has a risk of side effects and complications such as ED (erectile dysfunction) and urinary dysfunction (incontinence, urinary frequency, obstructions, etc.).

Focal Treatment

When cancer is localized or small enough, removal or treatment of the whole gland is not usually necessary. Accordingly, several other types of treatment are viable options.

• Active surveillance – In lieu of treatment, the least aggressive tumors are actively monitored via regular exams (e.g., digital rectal exams or PSA testing, also repeat biopsies).
• HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) – A revolutionary prostate cancer treatment that uses the safe ultrasound technology to target the cancerous portion of the gland and heat it up via until it is destroyed.
• HIFU is precise and it doesn’t affect nearby or adjacent tissues.
• MRI-Fusion TrueBeam IMRT – MRI mapping is combined with IMRT to deliver more precise radiation for better preservation of healthy tissue
• MRI-Fusion Brachytherapy – MRI mapping with brachytherapy is good for less aggressive tumors
• MRI-Fusion HIFU – MRI mapping combined with HIFU for precise treatment that preserves the remaining tissue

Don’t Be Shy – Get Support

Prostate cancer can impact you socially, professionally, financially, and sexually. You may not like asking for help, but don’t isolate yourself by trying to deal with the stress or condition alone. This can lead to loneliness and reduce your quality of life.

Family, friends or someone you know who also has prostate cancer are good sources of inspiration. A prostate cancer support group is also a good way to realize you’re not alone and to have people around who simply listen.

Continue Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Even if it’s a simple 20-minute walk 3-4 times a week, this can help you deal with your cancer by reducing your stress. Plus, research has found that exercise helps lower the risk of a faster progression rate.

Make sure to eat well, also. Low-fat foods, fruits, veggies, fiber, nuts are believed to have a positive impact on cancer growth (i.e., it might slow it down).

Contact the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles for More Information

Prostate cancer is beatable, and we have a variety of prostate cancer treatment options at our disposal to help you beat it. To schedule a consultation, contact us online or call our Beverly Hills office at 310.341-2557.

Next, read When Should You Get Screened for Prostate Cancer?

The post You’ve Been Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer – Now What? appeared first on Prostate Cancer Dr. in Los Angeles CA.

You’ve Been Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer – Now What?

First of all, a diagnosis is not the end of the world. Although the dreaded “C-word” diagnosis can be shocking, it’s important not to panic; your mindset will be the key to both a good prognosis and successful recovery. Millions of men have beaten prostate cancer and many millions more will, as well. Let’s make sure you know all your options and choose the best treatment plan.

Typically, prostate tumors grow slowly. Detection, especially early, all but ensures a full recovery and continuation of your normal life with a chance of cure. Even so, you might wonder what steps to take once you hear this unwelcome news, a refrain that the board-certified urologists at the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles hear often.

Here’s what we suggest.

A Second (or Third) Opinion

Your life may be on the line or, at the very least, your quality of life will be, based on the decisions you will make about your diagnosis. Don’t be shy – seek as many professional opinions as makes you comfortable. Make sure no misdiagnosis has been made that could lead to your being over-treated or under-treated. Educate yourself so you can choose wisely.

Find the Right Doctor

Find a doctor who is experienced, well-trained, board-certified, and has a successful track record of treating your condition. If you talk to a doctor who only does surgery or HIFU, it may be in your best interest to counsel with others who are skilled and trained in other methods of prostate cancer treatment as well, such as radiation therapy.

Furthermore, find a doctor with whom you’re comfortable. Often, patients overlook this but consider: you’re going through an emotional time and your doctor will be with you through the entire process. You should have someone you’re comfortable with – almost like a friend – who can guide you and give you objective expert advice and tailored insight every step of the way.

Gleason Score

Prostate cancer grade (Gleason score) is one of the most important prognostic factors. Your prostate biopsy sample will be inspected and graded on a scale of 2 to 10 by the pathologist:

• A score of 5 or less is a less aggressive tumor (mostly not even reported by pathologist)
• A 6 considered low risk (other factors also play into this)
• A score of 7 is considered intermediate
• Gleason scores 8 to 10 aggressive tumor with the highest levels of risk

Your Gleason Score will be a key factor in choosing the treatment.

Confirm the Location (Staging)

Where is the tumor? Is it localized? Or has it spread throughout the gland? Or, worse, has it metastasized outside the gland?

X-rays, CT scans, and bone scans can help determine the extent of cancer, another key component in deciding your treatment plan.

Learn more about cancer staging at WebMD.com.

Treatment Options

Once you have ascertained tumor size, the level of aggression, and the degree of metastasis, you and your doctor are better able to choose the best prostate cancer treatment. A low Gleason score or a small tumor, for example, might mean you wait, especially for older men, while a higher Gleason score or high aggression necessitates a proactive treatment.

Your overall health is also taken into account before deciding on one of the following options available in Los Angeles:

Whole Gland Treatment

This is common for prostate tumors that are either localized or have spread. Options for treating the whole gland include:

• Surgery
• Open surgery
• Laparoscopy
• Robotic prostatectomy
• Radiation treatment
• IMRT (external beam radiation treatment every day for eight and half weeks)
• Brachytherapy (internal radiation treatment in which “pods” are planted in the prostate to release radiation targeting the tumor at regular intervals)
• Cryotherapy – this freezes the prostate until the cancer cells are destroyed

Each whole gland cancer treatment is effective in varying degrees, yet each also has a risk of side effects and complications such as ED (erectile dysfunction) and urinary dysfunction (incontinence, urinary frequency, obstructions, etc.).

Focal Treatment

When cancer is localized or small enough, removal or treatment of the whole gland is not usually necessary. Accordingly, several other types of treatment are viable options.

• Active surveillance – In lieu of treatment, the least aggressive tumors are actively monitored via regular exams (e.g., digital rectal exams or PSA testing, also repeat biopsies).
• HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) – A revolutionary prostate cancer treatment that uses the safe ultrasound technology to target the cancerous portion of the gland and heat it up via until it is destroyed.
• HIFU is precise and it doesn’t affect nearby or adjacent tissues.
• MRI-Fusion TrueBeam IMRT – MRI mapping is combined with IMRT to deliver more precise radiation for better preservation of healthy tissue
• MRI-Fusion Brachytherapy – MRI mapping with brachytherapy is good for less aggressive tumors
• MRI-Fusion HIFU – MRI mapping combined with HIFU for precise treatment that preserves the remaining tissue

Don’t Be Shy – Get Support

Prostate cancer can impact you socially, professionally, financially, and sexually. You may not like asking for help, but don’t isolate yourself by trying to deal with the stress or condition alone. This can lead to loneliness and reduce your quality of life.

Family, friends or someone you know who also has prostate cancer are good sources of inspiration. A prostate cancer support group is also a good way to realize you’re not alone and to have people around who simply listen.

Continue Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Even if it’s a simple 20-minute walk 3-4 times a week, this can help you deal with your cancer by reducing your stress. Plus, research has found that exercise helps lower the risk of a faster progression rate.

Make sure to eat well, also. Low-fat foods, fruits, veggies, fiber, nuts are believed to have a positive impact on cancer growth (i.e., it might slow it down).

Contact the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles for More Information

Prostate cancer is beatable, and we have a variety of prostate cancer treatment options at our disposal to help you beat it. To schedule a consultation, contact us online or call our Beverly Hills office at 310.341-2557.

Next, read When Should You Get Screened for Prostate Cancer?

The post You’ve Been Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer – Now What? appeared first on Prostate Cancer Dr. in Los Angeles CA.

When Should You Get Screened for Prostate Cancer?

If you’re a man who’s reading this, you may already know that 1 in 7 American men will get prostate cancer at some point. You may also know that it’s the most common and the second deadliest cancer among American men. Maybe you even know that there are several ways to treat prostate cancer, including traditional surgery and the latest in MRI fusion biopsies. But do you know when you should start thinking about prostate screenings? There is no consistent symptom that arises to alert you. Instead, there are signs and certain clues that, should you notice them, may indicate that you need to get screened.

Although prostate cancer is the second deadliest cancer in American men, a diagnosis is not a death sentence. In fact, because it is among the slowest-growing cancers, early detection almost assures a complete recovery and resumption of your normal life, providing a realistic chance of cure.

However, the symptoms can be inconsistent – some men have sure-fire symptoms only to find out there is no cancer while others have an advanced stage of cancer despite no symptoms. At the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles, we understand how this can be confusing and worrisome, if not downright scary.

The following are symptoms and other indications associated with prostate tumors. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a consultation with one of the urologists at our Los Angeles urological facility.

Know Your Family History

Knowing your family history helps your doctor determine your prostate cancer risk level. The general guidelines are as such:

• If your father, brother, or son has not been diagnosed with a prostate tumor, or if they were diagnosed after the age of 65, you are considered average risk
• If your father, brother, or son has been diagnosed with a prostate tumor before the age of 65, you are considered high risk
• If two or more from among those first-degree male relatives have been diagnosed with prostate cancers before 65, you are considered highest risk.

Your Age (Depending on Your Risk Level)

Keeping in mind the risk levels mentioned above, if you’re low or average risk based on family history, you should start considering a cancer screening once you’re 50 years old. If, based on your family history, you are considered high risk, you should first start getting screened at 45 years old. Finally, if you’re considered the highest of risks based on family history, you’ll want to start getting screened when you turn 40.

The above guidelines are based only on family history and age. Many doctors believe that any man in his 40s, regardless of risk level or risk factors he may bear, should get a baseline PSA screening.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity can be a major risk factor for prostate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Men of African ancestry face the biggest risk, as they get cancer at the highest rate. Men of Caucasian descent are next, followed by Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander men. If you are an African American man, we recommend that you be screened at the age of 40, regardless of your family history.

(Negative) Changes in Sexual Potency or Urinary Habits

Located beneath your bladder, the prostate is part of your reproductive system. It helps control your bladder, grow your sperm, and produce the seminal fluid essential for sperm movement during orgasm. Due to the prostate’s close relationship with both the urinary and reproductive systems, many prostate tumor symptoms are connected to changes in your sexual potency or urinary habits.

Because some of the signs of prostatic cancer are also symptomatic of other, unrelated conditions, it’s important to see a specialist who can properly diagnose your condition. Regardless, if you notice the following changes to your urinary or sexual habits, it’s important to contact a specialist as soon as possible.

• Frequent need to urinate, particularly at night
• Urge incontinence (can’t hold your urine)
• Difficulty starting once at the toilet
• Blood in the urine
• Weak or interrupted flow
• Painful or burning sensation while urinating

Changes or issues related to sexual potency that you should be aware of include the following:

• Difficulty or inability in getting an erection
• Problems maintaining an erection
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in your semen

If these happen on a persistent basis, schedule a consultation soon.

Unexplained Pain, Swelling, or Stiffness in the Pelvic Region

Unexplained and persistent swelling in the pelvic region or legs could mean something serious. Another sign is numbness in the feet, legs, or hips, which could be an indicator of prostate cancer. Additionally, frequent or persistent lower back stiffness or pain extending into the hips or thighs (not due to injury or exercise) could also signify prostate cancer.

Early Detection is Crucial

Since several of the above symptoms could signify cancer of your prostate, it’s important that you don’t ignore them, especially persistent ones. Schedule a prostate screening with our Beverly Hills urologists and be sure what’s going on with your body. The sooner, the better, as early detection can make all the difference in your life!

Contact the Los Angeles Prostate Specialists to Learn More

Don’t ignore any prostate cancer symptoms. Get screened and stay updated on your health. Contact an expert Los Angeles urologist at the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles to schedule a consultation today!

In a nutshell: When/who to screen for prostate cancer?

• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and 2nd deadliest cancer in men in U.S.
• All men age 50 to 75 (or later, if they have longevity in the family)
• Main risk factors: Age, first-degree relatives with prostate tumor, African-American ethnicity
• Symptoms: Most commonly, none! Therefore, it is very important to screen for this cancer

Next, read Don’t Believe These Prostate Cancer Treatment Myths – Get the Help You Need Today

The post When Should You Get Screened for Prostate Cancer? appeared first on Prostate Cancer Dr. in Los Angeles CA.

Don’t Believe These Prostate Cancer Treatment Myths – Get the Help You Need Today

If you or a loved one has or has had cancer, you know that there’s a lot of information out there about the disease as well as about treatments. Often, however, prostate cancer is the subject of misinformation and myths, which can only add to your frustration and anxiety about the disease and how to properly treat it.

At the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles, we know the truth, and we’re here to separate it from several common myths about cancer treatment. We want you to be informed so that you can make knowledgeable decisions about your best prostate cancer treatment options.

7 Common Myths about Prostate Cancer Treatment

Myth 1 – No More Sex

Let’s dispel this myth right away. Surgery on the prostate does not mean an end to your sex life. This is because the cancer specialists at our center are expert experienced surgeons who have the skills to avoid damaging the nerves that trigger an erection. After surgery, most individuals will have no problems with getting and maintaining an erection after a certain period.

Since recovery from prostate cancer surgery in Los Angeles can take anywhere from 4 months to 2 years, the ability to have an erection could take a while. Be patient and follow your prescribed recovery plan to see the maximum result.

Myth 2 – Urine Leakage

A prostate cancer treatment will not cause permanent, regular urine leakage. If you undergo prostate gland surgery, it’s possible that you’ll experience short-term urinary leakage issues, but you should regain bladder control within a few months, although in some men, it could take as long as a year. More than 90% of men are without any urine leakage at 1 year after surgery.

Myth 3: Undergo Prostate Surgery Immediately

A common patient reaction to a prostate cancer diagnosis is to start surgery as soon as possible. In fact, it’s possible that you and your attending doctor may decide that surgery is unnecessary.

One such case is if the cancer is caught early, as prostate tumors typically grow slowly. If this is the case, it may be more prudent to wait and actively keep an eye on the disease. Called “active surveillance,” this type of treatment is common in older individuals. Under active surveillance, our doctors will perform frequent check-ups to see if your cancer is worsening, at which point treatment becomes viable.

If you have other illnesses or health problems in Beverly Hills, undergoing surgery on the prostate may affect the treatment of your other diseases. Therefore, your urologist may decide to hold off on surgery for the time being.

Myth 4 – Treatment Is Not Even Necessary

This seems to be at odds with the previous myth, but since prostate tumors commonly grow slowly, many people think that treatment is never necessary.

It’s important to remember that not all prostate tumors grow slowly. Certain types of cancer are very aggressive and need to be dealt with accordingly. Since prostate cancer is the second deadliest cancer for American men, a urological specialist will help guide you through a treatment decision.

Myth 5 – Surgery is the Only Effective Treatment

Another myth is that surgery is the only treatment for this disease. While surgery is effective, the following options are all viable alternatives to surgery. As with other diseases, however, the ideal treatment is dependent on each unique individual.

• HIFU
• Cryoablation
• Radiation Therapy
• Hormone Therapy

Learn more about potential treatment options at WebMD.com.

Myth 6 – All Treatments Have Comparable Cure Rates

Although much information on the Internet suggests that all cancer treatments are as effective as one another, such a general statement can be misleading due to the uniqueness of each case of prostate cancer, as well as the patients themselves.

Many studies on prostate tumor treatment have not been verified by an independent team, so results can be misconstrued or even biased. Furthermore, since your case is unique, you and your cancer may have different characteristics from those in a given study.

Another aspect to consider is the rate at which technology, medicine, and treatment options are evolving. Innovative techniques and treatments are hitting the market regularly, thereby increasing your options to have the best cancer treatment available.

Early Detection is the Key to Effective Treatment

Early detection is often the single determining factor to your survival. Although the traditional method of detection is a biopsy via ultrasound, new methods using advanced technology, such as an MRI fusion biopsy, are becoming popular due to their superior precision.

With better diagnostic capabilities, earlier detection leads to more positive outcomes, thereby enhancing your chances of survival and living a quality life. To learn more about your treatment options, contact the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles with your questions. You can schedule a consultation at our Beverly Hills urological center today.

Next, read What You Can Do to Support a Loved One with Prostate Cancer

The post Don’t Believe These Prostate Cancer Treatment Myths – Get the Help You Need Today appeared first on Prostate Cancer Dr. in Los Angeles CA.

What You Can Do to Support a Loved One with Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer may be the second deadliest cancer for men, but a diagnosis is not necessarily a death sentence. In fact, as a slow-growing type of cancer, if it is diagnosed early enough, prostate cancer treatment has excellent survival rates.

Regardless, it is the “C” word, one that will inevitably change your loved one’s life as well as yours. Battling the disease is difficult for a prostate cancer patient to do alone. Consistent, caring, and loving support from you and those around him will give him the strength and right frame of mind to carry on despite the challenges.

At the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles, we know what both prostate cancer patients and their loved ones are dealing with. We are committed to providing not only the best treatment for your loved one, but also the best cancer support for you both.

Supporting a Loved One With Prostate Cancer

Understand What He’s Dealing With

The prostate is an important gland in a man’s reproductive system. It regulates control of the bladder and plays a crucial role in keeping his sperm healthy. Cancer of the prostate can be a psychological blow because of its nature and its relationship with sexual health.

Take time to understand the emotional impact of this disease on your partner. He’ll need your strength and understanding through this time.

Support Means Knowing You Can’t “Cure” Him

As a friend or loved one of a prostate cancer patient, you may find that much of the situation is out of your control. It’s easy to get frustrated because you cannot solve his problem, cure his cancer, relieve his pain (physically), or do much else. As a result, you can get down or depressed at how much you can’t do.

Let go of the need to solve his problem or “cure” him. It’s not your duty. The longer you put pressure on yourself to provide everything he needs, the harder it will be to truly support him and really be helpful. It will help him know that you’re committed to the process.

Active Cancer Awareness

Go with your loved one to doctor’s appointments. Ask his doctor questions. Don’t be shy about sharing your opinions on prostate cancer treatment options. The more active you are with your input, the more comfortable you both will be.

Furthermore, a surprising bond often develops when going through this together because he won’t feel that he’s alone. Believe it or not, your partner will relish having this support even if it isn’t always apparent.

Maintain an Even Emotional Keel

If your partner is suffering from chronic pain or even if he’s just not sharing much about his feelings, try not to take things personally. It’s often hard for a patient to talk about his condition because he feels ashamed or depressed, even inconsolable. This could cause him to lash out or react negatively to kindness or assistance, which can take a toll on you.

Make time for yourself. Sometimes, you’re going to need to recharge your batteries, so to speak, and a few hours with your friends at lunch or taking the time to relax and tend to your own emotional needs can make a huge difference for you both.

Join and Attend a Support Group

Support groups for both him and you – whether you go together or attend separate ones – can also have a huge impact. Talking to people about what you’re going through can help you release pent-up frustration. Listening to others who are dealing with similar, if not the exact same, issues can foster a sense of community and help you escape the feelings of being all alone.

A prostate cancer support group is available for the both of you, but there are also groups specifically designed for the prostate cancer patient himself.

Regular, Consistent Encouragement

It’s common for a cancer patient to withdraw from friends and family. In fact, he might withdraw from doing simple things with you, such as taking neighborhood walks or going for dinner or lunch.

Give him encouragement. Make it obvious that he can count on you for any type of support. Remind him that his children (or grandchildren) want to spend time with him and that it would be good for him, as well.

Above All, Communicate

The central theme of all recommended cancer support is communication. This includes the obvious, such as talking about the condition, asking questions about your loved one’s pain or needs, or discussing treatment options and lifestyle changes.

Communication also includes more subtle communication avenues, such as body language and intimate contact. Continue to kiss and hug him as you normally would. Talk about sex and intimacy; this might be the most vulnerable part of the process due to the nature and location of the tumor, so he might need you to initiate intimacy more than normal so that he knows you still desire him.

Feel free to discuss your intimacy needs and encourage him to do the same.

Contact the Prostate Specialists of Los Angeles

Prostate cancer can have a widespread impact, both on your loved one as well as on his family, friends, and relationships. Your support can make all the difference in how the disease will impact your partner, you, and those around you. To learn more about supporting your loved one throughout prostate gland cancer diagnosis and treatment, contact the Prostate Cancer Specialists of Los Angeles by calling (310) 341-2557.

Next, read our blog, When is the Right Time for a Prostate Cancer Biopsy?

The post What You Can Do to Support a Loved One with Prostate Cancer appeared first on Prostate Cancer Dr. in Los Angeles CA.

When is the Right Time for a Prostate Cancer Biopsy?

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in men. This disease is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men. However, this disease is different from many other types of cancers because it is slow-growing and can often go undetected, primarily due to a lack of debilitating symptoms.

Screening for cancerous cells in the prostate is important because it can lead to an early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes. The most common type of screening test is the prostate-specific antigen test (PSA test). The PSA test is a blood test that is normally used to detect either cancer or prostate-related health issues.

What is a PSA Test?

Prostate-specific antigen (also known as “PSA”)  is a substance created by the prostate gland. PSA levels can be tested in the blood and can be used as a marker to identify different prostate diseases, including cancers.

Do PSA Screenings Effectively Detect Cancer in Men?

The PSA test is popular because it is a simple blood test, but it can’t always detect prostate cancer. As a matter of fact, the PSA test can lead to both false positives and false negatives for cancer of the prostate. It is typical for a man, once he reaches 40 years old, to undergo a PSA test to determine whether his PSA level is normal for his age range. However, there are four possible outcomes of this test, which include the following:

1. Your PSA is normal and you DO NOT have cancer (a true negative).
2. Your PSA is higher than normal and you DO have the disease (a true positive).
3. Your PSA is higher than normal but you DO NOT have cancer (a false positive).
4. Your PSA is normal but you DO have prostate cancer (a false negative).

As a matter of fact, elevated PSA levels can be due to a number of factors unrelated to cancer, including age-related enlargement, inflammation, or infection. In addition, certain everyday activities, such as riding a bike or having sex, can trigger a temporary increase in PSA levels. According to studies published by Harvard Medical School, up to 20% of men with normal PSA levels still have cancerous tissue, while up to 70% of men with elevated PSA levels do not.

Because a PSA test isn’t the most reliable method of identifying prostate cancer, it’s important to identify symptoms that indicate that more extensive diagnostic testing is needed. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to make an appointment with the expert team of urology specialists at the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles.

• Urinary changes, either in frequency or difficulty
• Sexual changes, either in difficulty or an increase in pain
• Swelling or numbness to the prostate, penis or testicles
• Prolonged pain or stiffness in the lower half of the body

If a patient experiences any of these symptoms, it is necessary to undergo further diagnostic testing to determine if cancerous tissue is present.

Learn more about prostate cancer by visiting the American Cancer Society.

Effective Diagnostic Tests

Traditional Biopsy Method

The traditional biopsy method uses an ultrasound probe to perform a prostate cancer test. A biopsy needle passes through the lining of the back passage to take various samples of the prostate tissue from each of the six zones in your prostate.  While this method is good at identifying larger tumors, it often misses smaller cancerous areas.

MRI Fusion Biopsies

An MRI fusion biopsy is an innovative combination of MRI and ultrasound technology, which provides prostate imaging and makes for greater accuracy in identifying areas of cancer (in addition to greater precision in sample extraction).

MRI prostate biopsies are brief minimally invasive procedures. They provide patients with early detection, which was previously unavailable with traditional prostate biopsy methods.

The Advantage of MRI Fusion Biopsies

MRI fusion biopsies are able to access the entire gland, including harder-to-reach tissue previously undetected through traditional prostate cancer testing methods. This innovation leads to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes with the following benefits:

• Detects twice as many prostate gland cancers, in all stages, over a traditional biopsy
• Three dimensional-guided biopsy offers better targeting and precision for locating tumors and identifying areas for treatment
• Targets suspicious areas for biopsy, reducing the need for repeat or unnecessary biopsies
• Increases the detection rate of aggressive cancer cells
• Reduces the over-treatment of low-grade cancer
• Efficient and pain-free procedure

Prostate Cancer Tests in a Nutshell

• PSA tests are simple blood tests, but can’t identify all cases of cancer
• A traditional biopsy is good for identifying large tumors
• MRI fusion biopsies can not only identify cancerous tissue, but also provide a roadmap for radiation therapy after surgery

Contact the Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles

While some prostate cancer symptoms don’t mean you have the disease, don’t ignore any symptoms you do have, especially if they persist. To discuss your condition, contact one of our expert urologists online or by calling 310.341.2557 and schedule a consultation today.

Next, read our blog, What are the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

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