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Limited signs and symptoms of prostate cancer make the second-most common cancer among men difficult to detect. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably.
A gland found only in males and located below the bladder, in front of the rectum, the prostate makes some of the fluid that is part of semen. The size of the prostate changes with age. In younger men, it is about the size of a walnut, but it can be much larger in older men. Currently, about one-in-seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.
Prostate cancer develops mainly in older men. Roughly six cases in 10 are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and it is rare before age 40. The average age at the time of diagnosis is about 66.
“In most cases, there are few or no symptoms of prostate cancer. If there are symptoms, they may include difficulty urinating, painful recurring infections, bone pain and back pain. Men aged 55-70 are encouraged to be screened annually with a digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test,” said Michael Yu, MD, FACS, urologist with Dayton Physicians Network.
“Often, men do not seek out medical attention of any kind until they are in severe pain, which makes it difficult to identify the issue early,” said Dr. Yu.
Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with prostate cancer don’t die from it. In fact, more than 2.9 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.
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Doctors at Dayton Physicians Network have access to the most current technology, such as magnetic resonance (MR) and ultrasound (US) fusion-guided biopsy, to help them to provide the most accurate diagnosis and best treatment options available.
In addition to traditional open surgeries, Dayton Physicians Network also offers robotic surgery through the da Vinci Surgical System. Robotic surgical procedures can be performed through smaller incisions, resulting in reduced recovery time. The surgeon controls the robot from a console and views the surgical site with a 3D high-definition view of the surgical area via a small camera that provides better-than-ever images.
“This type of surgery was developed in the 1990s, but it went mainstream in 2001. Doctors at Dayton Physicians Network have practiced this type of surgery since then,” said Dr. Yu.
Raising awareness
In an effort to achieve “generation zero” — the first generation without prostate cancer — Dayton Physicians Network will host the 2017 ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk in Dayton on Saturday, Sept. 23. The race begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Greater Dayton Cancer Center (3120 Governor’s Place Blvd., Kettering). Early packet pick-up is available at the Cancer Center on Friday, Sept. 22, between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m.
The second annual event features a 5K run/walk, a one-mile walk, the Kids’ Superhero Dash for Dad, and a virtual Snooze for Dudes program. Stick around for the family-friendly post-race celebration. Participants will receive a tech shirt, free food, and the opportunity to connect with others who are impacted by prostate cancer.
“We encourage the community to come out to support this event. In its second year, the run/walk should be even bigger and will help raise more public awareness about prostate cancer,” said Dr. Yu.
Click here for more information or to register for the 2017 ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk in Dayton.
For over 20 years, Dayton Physicians Network Urology has been committed to providing the highest-quality medical services in a compassionate and caring environment. With eight skilled urologists and three convenient locations, your network of care is always convenient for you. If you have questions about prostate cancer screening, call Dayton Physicians Network at 937-293-1622937-293-1622.
