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Prostate Cancer

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Overview

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in U.S. men today and is the second leading cause of male cancer death in this country. Men of African-American descent have a greater risk of developing prostate cancer, while men of Asian or South American descent rarely develop it. The majority of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men who are over 65 years old. Recent studies suggest that 5-10% of prostate cancers may be inherited, but a diet high in fat may also be a risk factor.


Prostate Cancer

Prevention

It is difficult to prevent prostate cancer, as the exact cause of the disease is unknown. The American Cancer Society describes a diet and medications that may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, visit: Prostate Cancer Prevention.



Prostate Cancer

Diagnosis

Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms and is difficult to detect. As the disease advances, some men experience weak or interrupted urine flow, difficulty urinating, frequent urination - especially at night, blood in the urine, or pain with urination or in the back and pelvis. These symptoms can also be present in non-cancerous conditions.

The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and a digital rectal exam may help detect prostate cancer earlier in some men. Because the PSA blood test may be above normal in certain conditions that are not cancerous (false positive) and can be normal in certain situations when cancer is present (false negative), men who are considering having a PSA blood test should discuss it with their physician or attend an educational presentation about the PSA blood test so that they can make an informed decision.


Prostate Cancer

Treatment

Prostate cancer treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. The National Cancer Institute offers detailed overviews of prostate cancer treatments. KHN offers Da Vinci Prostatectomy, offering patients effective cancer control, faster return of continence and sexual function, less pain, shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery than traditional open surgery.

For men facing a potential prostate cancer diagnosis, KHN has the expertise you need. Our team of urologists, surgeons and surgical oncologists, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists and imaging specialists, pharmacists, dieticians, specially trained nurses, therapists, chaplains and more are ready to serve you.


Prostate Cancer

Support Groups/Education


Prostate Cancer Forum

Provides a forum for men to discuss the concerns related to prostate cancer. Meets at Kettering Medical Center on the first Tuesday of each month except June and December from 6 pm – 8 pm. Check the Looking Ahead newsletter or call Cancer Services at (937) 395-8115 for more information.

Looking Ahead Support Group

This group helps individuals living with cancer, their families and friends. For those newly diagnosed with cancer as well as long-term survivors. Meets at Kettering Medical Center on the first Tuesday of each month except June and December. Check the Looking Ahead newsletter or call Cancer Services at (937) 395-8115 for more information.

I Can Cope

This is a series of educational classes for people with cancer, their families and friends. The program helps people meet the challenge of coping with cancer by distinguishing cancer myths from facts. This FREE program provides practical information about cancer, cancer treatments and offers self-care strategies and resources for those facing cancer. This American Cancer Society Program is co-sponsored by Kettering Health Network.

Call the American Cancer Society at 1-888-ACS-OHIO (227-6446) for current dates, location and to register.

Cancer Resource Center

The Cancer Resource Center (CRC) is a collaborative effort between your American Cancer Society and Kettering Medical Center. The CRC is located at Kettering Memorial Hospital, ground floor, adjacent to the Radiation Therapy waiting area, and is open to the public from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, except holidays and during special events. Trained volunteers are available to assist you with information about cancer, cancer prevention and early detection, cancer treatments, coping and support groups and other resources. Information called also be mailed upon request. Call (937) 395-8081.

Makarius Library

The Makarius Library is located at Kettering Memorial Hospital, 3 South. This is a free lending library with materials on cancer, treatment, coping and inspiration. Items may be signed out for up to four weeks. The library is open daily, except during patient care meetings.