Published on September 14, 2009
Knowledge is Power: Southern Regional Health System and Georgia Urology Join the da Vinci® Surgery Awareness InitiativeTM in Educating Atlanta about Prostate Cancer
This September, Southern Regional Health System, a leader in providing innovative healthcare to Atlanta, is joining the da Vinci® Surgery Awareness InitiativeTM , supporting the Lance Armstrong Foundation, in a national campaign reaching millions of people with the goal of educating the public about prostate cancer. The objective is to inform the Atlanta community about prostate cancer: how it is detected, what causes the disease and how it is commonly treated.
As part of this national initiative, Southern Regional, in partnership with Georgia Urology, is hosting a free men's health seminar on September 27 at the Spivey Station Surgery Center located in Jonesboro, Ga. Participants will have an opportunity to receive a free PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, be able to talk with physicians about their questions and concerns, and hear the latest information on minimally invasive prostate cancer treatments. The seminar will run 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. To register, call 770-541-1111.
Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in tissues of the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum. In early stages, prostate cancer is typically detected during a man's routine annual PSA test.
While the causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown, the chance of developing it increases after age 50. Close relatives of men who had prostate cancer are more likely to be affected. Ethnic origin may also play a role. Men of African heritage are at highest risk, while men of Asian descent have the lowest risk.1
Men can reduce the risk of getting prostate cancer by following a low-fat diet and staying in shape. It is important for the community to know the facts about this disease, such as:
• One in 6 U.S. men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.2
- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer (non-skin related) in men.2
- Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in U.S. men.2
While each case and patient is unique, the most common prostate cancer treatments include watchful waiting, surgery, radiation therapy and hormone therapy. Surgery to remove the cancerous prostate gland, known as a prostatectomy, is considered the gold standard treatment for localized cancer.3
Southern Regional offers all of the above treatment options, including minimally invasive da Vinci ® Surgery. It is the number one treatment option among U.S. men4 due to effective cancer control5, improved and early return of sexual function6 and urinary continence.7
The good news about prostate cancer is that men who are diagnosed early can beat prostate cancer.5 And, effective treatment options can offer potential benefits like a fast recovery3 and return to normal activities.
Remember: Knowledge is power. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to learn more. Join millions learning about prostate cancer risk, prevention and treatment in the da Vinci® Surgery Awareness Initiative and sign up for Southern Regional's free men's health seminar on September 27.
About da Vinci® Surgery
- Imagine major surgery performed through the smallest of incisions. Imagine having the benefits of a definitive treatment but with the potential for significantly less pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster return to normal daily activities - as well as the potential for better clinical outcomes. With the da Vinci Surgical System, surgeons and hospitals are re-writing accepted standards for surgical care. da Vinci is changing the experience of surgery. More information is available at http://www.davincisurgery.com/ and http://www.davinciprostatectomy.com/.
About The Lance Armstrong Foundation
- At the Lance Armstrong Foundation, we fight for the 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. There can be - and should be - life after cancer for more people. That's why we kick in at the moment of diagnosis, giving people the resources and support they need to fight cancer head-on. We find innovative ways to raise awareness, fund research and end the stigma about cancer that many survivors face. We connect people and communities to drive social change, and we call for state, national and world leaders to help fight this disease. Anyone anywhere can join our fight against cancer. Join us at http://www.livestrong.org/.
1. "What Causes Prostate Cancer?" American Cancer Society, ww.cancer.org, URL: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_2X_What_causes_prostate_cancer_36.asp?sitearea=
2. "What are the Key Statistics About Prostate Cancer?", American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org, URL: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_are_the_key_statistics_for_prostate_cancer_36.asp
3. Ari Hakimi A, Feder M, Ghavamian R; Minimally Invasive Approaches to Prostate Cancer A Review of the Current Literature; Urology Journal, 2007;4:130-7.
4. Prostate Cancer Clinical Guideline Update Panel. Guideline for the management of clinically localized
prostate cancer: 2007 update. Linthicum (MD): American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.; 2007, p 82
5. Tewari A, Raman JD, Chang P, Rao S, Divine G, Menon M. Long-term survival probability in men with clinically localized prostate cancer treated either conservatively or with definitive treatment (radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy). Urology. 2006 Dec;68(6):1268-74.
6. Buron, C., B. Le Vu, et al. (2007). Brachytherapy versus prostatectomy in localized prostate cancer: Results of a French multicenter prospective medico-economic study. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 67(3): 812-22.
7. Kaul S, et al. Robotic Radical Prostatectomy with Preservation of the Prostatic Fascia: A Feasability Study. Urology 66, 1261-1265.