da Vinci^® Surgery Awareness Initiative^TM

This September, Southern Regional is joining the da Vinci® Surgery Awareness Initiative^TM, 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 community about prostate cancer: how it is detected, what causes the disease and how it is commonly treated.  Southern Regional is the only hospital in south metro Atlanta that treats prostate cancer with the da Vinci® surgical system.

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 (prostate-specific antigen) 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.

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:

• 1 in 6 U.S. men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer
• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer (non-skin related) in men
• Prostate cancer is the 2^nd leading cause of cancer death in U.S. men

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.

Southern Regional offers many of the above treatment options, including minimally invasive da Vinci ^® Surgery. It is the number-one treatment option among U.S. mendue to effective cancer control, improved and early return of sexual function and urinary continence.

The good news about prostate cancer is today, men who are diagnosed early can beat prostate cancer. And, effective treatment options can offer potential benefits like a fast recovery and return to normal activities.

Click to learn more about the campaign and to show your support.  To find a physician that can help diagnose and treat prostate cancer, please click here or call for a physician referral at (770) 541-1111.